Lawrence finished 13th in the shot put at last week's International Children's Games at Lake Macquarie, attended by about 1500 junior athletes from around the world.

But it was 15-year-old's generosity and sportsmanship that won everyone over.

When Lawrence learned Polish rival, Karolina Suminska, had lost her baggage and throwing shoes in transit to Australia, the Merici College student offered to share her only pair of shoes - off her own feet.

"We were only about two throws apart each time, so it was pretty much do the throw, yank the shoes off, hand them over and try and do them up again quickly," Lawrence said. "It created an adrenalin-pumping atmosphere, I think that's how I did so well, having to move so fast to get the shoes swapped."

Lawrence was chosen from 25 nominees to receive the Fair Play Award, recognition from her peers that came from 79 cities and 30 countries around the world.

"I got one of my friends to get a photo of both of us with the award," Lawrence said. "I called Karolina over and said you deserve this too.

"We became really good friends. She talked to her coach and as many people as she could to learn enough English to say thank you to me, she couldn't believe someone would be so nice. But I said anyone in Australia would do this."

Lawrence also threw a season-best 9.39 metres, but her real target is a career in forensics.

"Athletics is just about having fun and doing my best, I'm ranked top 10 in the ACT," Lawrence said.

"But I want to pursue a career in forensics. I've always been interested in science, but I also love mysteries and solving things."

Ten Canberra athletes attended the Games, the first in the southern hemisphere, with Kieran Reilly claiming bronze in the boys' 1500 metres.