Leading by Example: A Conversation with Laurence Wynne-Jones
Laurence Wynne-Jones is the 2026 Boys’ Club Captain at Harwich, Dovercourt and Parkeston Swimming Club. Known for his strong work ethic in training, he has worked hard to achieve county qualifying times in the 50m, 100m, and 200m breaststroke.
- Favourite stroke
- Breaststroke
- Years involved with the club
- 3.5 years
Laurence is known within the club for his conscientious approach to training and the effort he puts into improving his swimming. Over the years he has worked hard to achieve county qualifying times in the 50m, 100m, and 200m breaststroke.
Alongside his own swimming, Laurence now represents the swimmers as Boys’ Club Captain, helping to encourage team spirit and support younger swimmers within the club.
It has also been great to see how his confidence has grown during his time with the club.
We asked Laurence a few questions about his swimming and his role as Boys’ Club Captain.
Questions
1. How long have you been swimming with Harwich Swimming Club? I have been swimming with the club since September 2022 - after Mandy, my swim teacher at the time recommended joining, as I had completed stage 7/8 in lessons but wanted to carry on swimming. I competed in my first Essex mini league gala in 2023, swimming the 50m breaststroke.
2. You’ve worked hard to achieve county times in the 50m, 100m, and 200m breaststroke. What helped you reach those goals? Training regularly, and working hard on my technique. I try to listen to the advice I get from the coaches to improve my stroke. I have also been thinking carefully about what I eat before and during competition days, to make sure I have enough energy.
3. What does being Boys’ Club Captain mean to you? I am really proud to be part of the club and represent it as Boys’ Club Captain. I hope that I can support younger swimmers, in the same way I was when I first joined the club and when I attended my first mini league and open meet.
4. What do you enjoy most about training with the club? I enjoy getting the opportunity to go to competitions and galas, they are always lots of fun. I also enjoy the fact that I get to train 3-4 times a week with my friends and work hard - everyone gets on really well. The coaches are really supportive. When I first started I really struggled with my diving, so Katie spent time with me and a couple of other swimmers to work on it and help us improve.
5. What advice would you give younger swimmers at the club? Listen to the coaches, and ask them if you want to work on a particular area, this has really helped me. Also, remember to do your land warm up before training and at competitions - it helps! And don’t feel the need to just pick one stroke to work on.
6. What goals are you working towards in swimming at the moment? I have been doing well with my 100m breaststroke recently - I’d like to try and get the club record and even push for a regional time. I have the club record for the 200m breaststroke and would like to beat that if I can!
Closing
Harwich, Dovercourt and Parkeston Swimming Club is proud to see swimmers like Laurence developing both in the pool and as role models within the team.
His determination in training and his willingness to support other swimmers make him a great example for the younger members of the club.