Legendary swimming coach Duncan Laing is not at all comfortable being known as a man of letters.
The Dunedin-based coach's long service to the sport was recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours when he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM).
Having already been awarded
an OBE under the previous honours system for his services to swimming, Laing has so many letters attached to his name that he doesn't know what to do with them.
"I don't know where I'm going to put them all," Laing, 74, said as he contemplates his official retirement from swimming duties on October 1.
Laing, whose star pupil Danyon Loader won two gold medals at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, said he was surprised to be recognised in this year's honours list.
"I wasn't expecting anything like this."
Laing's thoughts quickly turned to those whose roles in the sport have gone unrecognised under the honours system.
"I know I've been in swimming a long time but there must be others.
"[National coach] Jan Cameron, for example, why hasn't she been given some honours like this? She's a wonderful coach and has done wonders for New Zealand swimming.
"I only hope [my award] will do New Zealand swimming some good. Swimming will be the winner and I'm hoping people can carry on doing the same things I've done."
The honour comes at a difficult time for Laing, who has just been released after 12 days in hospital where he had a melanoma-like growth removed from his leg. He's got another week to fill in before he can return to his poolside work.
"It's a damn nuisance. I can't relax at all. I'm a terrible patient. I'm like a cat on hot bricks," Laing said.
Several high-profile sporting figures were recognised in the honours, with NZ Rugby Union chairman and former All Blacks captain Jock Hobbs also receiving a CNZM.
Another three were made Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit - former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, netball and sports administrator Fay Freeman, of the North Shore, and Palmerston North's Peter Gillespie, who was recognised for his services to business and sport.
Former league international Tawera Nikau and former cricketer Maia Lewis were made Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
- NZPA
