Canadian Olympian Named After Shaq and Penny Shares Interesting Story

Shaquille Anfernee Murray-Lawrence is competing in bobsled at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Shaquille Anfernee Murray-Lawrence, a Canadian bobsled push athlete at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, was named after NBA stars Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway. Despite not growing to the height of his namesakes, Murray-Lawrence has found success in other sports, including football and now bobsled, where he is representing Canada at the Olympics.

Why it matters

Murray-Lawrence's story highlights the unique ways athletes can find their path to the Olympics, even if it doesn't follow a traditional trajectory. His name and background also add an interesting personal angle to the Canadian bobsled team's performance at the Games.

The details

Murray-Lawrence was born in 1993, with his father hoping he would follow in the footsteps of basketball stars Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway. While he didn't grow to their towering heights, Murray-Lawrence pursued football in the United States, facing challenges like unanswered recruitment letters and a junior college closure. He eventually landed at UNLV before getting a chance in the Canadian Football League. All the while, Bobsled Canada took notice of his athletic abilities, leading him to the Olympic bobsled team.

  • Murray-Lawrence was born in 1993.
  • He competed in the two-man bobsled event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.

The players

Shaquille Anfernee Murray-Lawrence

A Canadian bobsled push athlete at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, named after NBA stars Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway.

Shaquille O'Neal

An NBA star 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 for 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 part of.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (nbcnewyork.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 (nbcnewyork.com)

What’s next

Murray-Lawrence and pilot Taylor Austin will continue competing in the two-man bobsled event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.

The takeaway

Despite not following the traditional path of his basketball namesakes, Shaquille Anfernee Murray-Lawrence has found success in other sports, showcasing his athleticism and determination on the Olympic bobsled stage and representing Canada with pride.