Cameron Leslie after winning gold in the the men's 50m backstroke S4 at the 2023 Para Swimming World Championships in Manchester. Leslie has been inducted as a life member of the
Whangārei Academy of Swimming. Photo / Getty Images
Cameron Leslie after winning gold in the the men's 50m backstroke S4 at the 2023 Para Swimming World Championships in Manchester. Leslie has been inducted as a life member of the
Whangārei Academy of Swimming. Photo / Getty Images
On December 18 Leslie got yet another honour added to his long list – inducted as a life member of the Whangārei Academy of Swimming (WAS) – one of only two current life members.
Isaac Watts, president of the academy, said the life membership for Leslie was well deserved.
“Cam has achieved so much throughout his swimming career and always acknowledges the club and his coach, Tom, for their support along the way. He’s not only passionate about swimming but is also happy to chat about life in general, bringing positivity and encouragement to everyone around him. Whenever he trains with the club, he’s a strong supporter of his fellow swimmers and a true role model,” Watts said.
New Zealand Paralympic swimmer Cameron Leslie during a training session in preparation for the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016 where he won gold and broke a world record. Photo / NZME
Born in Whangārei in 1990, Leslie lives with a quadruple limb deficiency and first took up swimming at age 11. Despite a tough debut at the 2006 IPC Swimming World Championships, he persevered and went on to become one of New Zealand’s most decorated Paralympic athletes. He claimed three consecutive gold medals in the men’s 150m individual medley SM4 at the Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, each time breaking world records.
“His contributions extend beyond competition – he served as Swimming New Zealand’s national para swimming development coordinator, helping grow opportunities for para athletes nationwide. In recognition of his achievements and service to sport, Cam was appointed a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009. Cam is a proud member of WAS and truly deserves this life membership status in recognition of his commitment, achievements and ongoing contribution to the club community."
Watts said the life membership is a symbolic recognition of the long-term service, contribution and achievements of an athlete or coach, and there is only one other WAS life member – Liz Furey, who has been a swimmer and coach with WAS for over 50 years.
