It is with great sadness and regret that we hear of the passing of Duncan Laing today. Duncan had devoted his life to swimming, and as a consequence many masters swimmers would have crossed his path throughout the years, benefiting from his words of wisdom and experience.

His acheivements are well known, but much less talked about are the hours he spent at the pool mentoring young atheletes of the future, encouraging them to reach their potential and see the value of swimming as a lifelong sport. There are other excellent coaches within NZ swimming - partly because of Duncan's efforts, but NZ swimming will still miss his immensely valuable input into the sport. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Laing family.

More information about Duncan Laing's death and the reaction can be found here:

• Noted Swimming Coach Duncan Laing dies - Stuff.co.nz 
• Loader pays tribute to coach Laing -Stuff.co.nz