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Double Olympic gold medallist Danyon Loader last night paid tribute to mentor Duncan Laing, who died yesterday in Dunedin.
"There was a connection there from the beginning and I wouldn't be the swimmer I became or the person I am today without Duncan," said Loader, who first worked with Laing at Moana Pool as a 10-year-old.
Loader, who won silver in the 200m butterfly at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and golds in the 200m and 400m free at Atlanta in 1996, was Laing's most famous protege but his influence spread to hundreds of swimmers of all ages and abilities.
He was described by former olympic chef de mission Dave Gerrard as swimming's version of New Zealand athletics legend Arthur Lydiard. Laing was 77 years old.
