Earlier this month at an Olympic celebration dinner in Canberra, Sports Minister Kate Lundy and Tasmanian Senator, Richard Colbeck, launched a book that's being billed as "a ripper yarn about Australia's best all rounder - as told by his son", reports Rose Grant of ABC Rural.

The all-rounder is dual Olympic gold medallist, Laurie Morgan, the son is northern Tasmanian horseman, Warwick Morgan, and the book is called 'Too Tough to Lose'.

Warwick Morgan says his father was an extreme achiever, both on and off the sporting field, and as well as his Olympic achievements and competing in the Grand National, Laurie Morgan represented Victoria and Australia in boxing, football, rowing, and polo.

"The motivation was to be successful at what he did, and this applied to him throughout his whole life," Warwick said.

"He was just so determined that things should be right and it was amazing his attention to detail, especially with his horses."

A fascinating character...

On the website www.warwickmorgan.com, it states, "Laurie Morgan, dual Olympic gold medallist, heavyweight boxing champion, outstanding rower, tenacious Australian Rules footballer, successful racehorse breeder and trainer, international polo player and victorious equestrian for Australia, was an extraordinary man who fought his way to the top.

At a time when Australian equestrians were unheard of, Laurie shipped his horse from the western plains of NSW to England and won against the world’s best riders. Due to his incredible determination the Australian equestrian team performed brilliantly at the Rome Olympics: Australia won two gold medals and a silver.

Laurie’s boyhood ambition was to train and ride his own horse in the English Grand National, which he did at the culmination of a triumphant steeplechasing career."

Quick Links

• Visit www.warwickmorgan.com to find out more and order your copy of 'Too Tough to Lose'
• Vist Horsezone.com.au