Canadian Olympian Named After Shaq and Penny Pursues Bobsled Dream

Shaquille Anfernee Murray-Lawrence, a Canadian bobsled push athlete, has an interesting story behind his name and athletic journey.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Shaquille Anfernee Murray-Lawrence, a Canadian bobsled push athlete competing at the Milan Cortina Games, was named after NBA stars Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway. Despite not growing to the height of his basketball namesakes, Murray-Lawrence has found success in other sports, including football and now bobsled, where he is representing Canada.

Why it matters

Murray-Lawrence's story highlights the unique paths athletes can take to the Olympics, as well as the lasting impact that sports icons can have on the next generation, even through something as simple as a name.

The details

Murray-Lawrence was born in 1993, with his father hoping he would follow in the footsteps of O'Neal and Hardaway. While he didn't become a dominant basketball player like his namesakes, Murray-Lawrence pursued football in the United States, facing challenges like unanswered recruitment letters and a junior college closing. He eventually landed at UNLV, where he was known for his long name. The Canadian Football League then came calling, and Bobsled Canada took notice of Murray-Lawrence's athletic abilities, leading him to pursue bobsled.

  • Murray-Lawrence was born in 1993.
  • O'Neal and Hardaway won Olympic gold for USA Basketball at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
  • Murray-Lawrence competed in the first two runs of the two-man bobsled event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games on Monday.

The players

Shaquille Anfernee Murray-Lawrence

A Canadian bobsled push athlete competing at the Milan Cortina Games, named after NBA stars Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway.

Shaquille O'Neal

An NBA legend who played for the Orlando Magic and won Olympic gold with the USA Basketball team in 1996.

Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway

An NBA star who played alongside Shaquille O'Neal on the Orlando Magic and won Olympic gold with the USA Basketball team in 1996.

Taylor Austin

The pilot of the Canadian bobsled team that Murray-Lawrence is a push athlete for.

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What they’re saying

“Today is very special for me, my country, my friends, family, my whole community. Just being able to give it my all and just represent Canada.”

— Shaquille Anfernee Murray-Lawrence, Canadian Bobsled Athlete (wbal.com)

“My father was definitely a Shaq fan, and he hoped one day that I would grow to 7 feet tall and be dunking in basketball. That never happened, but I was blessed with tremendous speed, tremendous heart, tremendous pride, and that's all I need.”

— Shaquille Anfernee Murray-Lawrence, Canadian Bobsled Athlete (wbal.com)

What’s next

Murray-Lawrence and his bobsled pilot Taylor Austin will compete in the remaining runs of the two-man bobsled event at the Milan Cortina Games.

The takeaway

Murray-Lawrence's unique path to the Olympics, inspired by the legacies of his basketball namesakes, demonstrates the diverse journeys athletes can take to represent their country on the world stage.