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Swimming New Zealand and swimmers throughout the country today mourned the passing of legendary coach Duncan Laing.

“Duncan was an iconic figure in our sport and obviously our most successful coach ever in terms of Olympic medals,” said Murray Coulter, President of Swimming New Zealand.

“He gained a reputation around the world and dedicated a lifetime to our sport. During more than four decades as a swim coach he not only guided great swimmers to the top of their sport but also encouraged and guided hundreds and thousands of young people into this great sport.

“For Duncan the key was to develop all of his swimmers not just to be fast in a swimming pool but to be good citizens. This he achieved and gained great respect from all his charges who knew and acknowledged him always as Mr Laing.”

Duncan Laing, born in 1932, coached 11 Olympic athletes including Danyon Loader who won two gold medals at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and a silver medal at Barcelona in 1992. His long service to the sport was recognised when he was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 1993 and a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2006.

Swimming New Zealand joined in a special tribute to Mr Laing in Dunedin two years ago.
Swimming New Zealand and all swimmers in the country pass on their deepest sympathies to the Laing family.

For further information or comment contact:
Mike Byrne
CEO, Swimming New Zealand
Tel 021 2492162