William Laidlaw: Yarra Leisure Lifeguard and Competitive Swimmer.

Meet William Laidlaw, a dedicated lifeguard at Yarra Leisure, whose passion for competitive swimming is propelling him towards the Olympics. Will is set to embark on a significant journey as he heads to Brisbane next week to participate in the Queensland State Championships, competing in the 50 metre and 100 metre men’s freestyle events.

Will’s swimming journey started at Yarra Leisure Swim School when he was 8 years old. Progressing through the ranks he graduated to Swim Squad and later joined Inner City Aquatic (ICA) where he continued developing his skills. During his high school years, Will further refined his abilities through training at the Melbourne Swimming and Aquatic Centre (MSAC).

“Through school I fell off the horse a bit. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I used to,” Will said. “Once I finished school, I thought I was done, and I had a coach say to me ‘Just give it one more go and see what happens.' I got a bit closer than I thought I was going to, and I reconsidered. I wanted to see how far I could take it.”

Competitive swimming is known for its harsh training regimen, and it takes a certain kind of drive to continue to the next level.

“Those mornings when it’s hard to get up, you just ask yourself the question ‘are you done?’. If the answer is ‘no’ then you’ve got to get up and get going.”

Will got right back on the horse and is currently working with Olympic swimmer and coach Kendrick Monk to get his time up with the hope of qualifying for the Olympics. Training involves up to 30 hours a week, 20 in the water and 10 in the gym and classes. When he’s not training, he’s lifeguarding at our pools.

We feel very proud and lucky to have Will and wish him all the best in Brisbane next week. Go Will!