Thomas Laws — Athlete Profile
Athlete Profile — Gold Squad
Thomas Laws
400 IM Specialist. British Nationals Qualifier.
Main Event
400 IM
Squad
Gold
Years Swimming
15 years
Competitive
7 years
Top Achievement
British Nationals
His Story
Thomas has been part of the D&G family from the very beginning, progressing all the way through Learn to Swim before committing to competitive swimming seven years ago. That long-term development within a single club has shaped not just his swimming but his outlook on the sport.
His standout achievement to date is qualifying for British Nationals — a milestone that reflects years of consistent work and a mindset built around constant improvement. Thomas is honest about the role the club has played in that journey, including the setbacks along the way, which he sees as part of what has made him a better swimmer.
Standout Races
400 IM — Scottish Nationals 2024
One of those races that stays with you. Thomas came through the heat from last place, finding another gear on the final length to get the touch when it mattered most.
400 IM — Scottish Short Course 2025
After spending most of October out of the water, Thomas had limited time to rebuild fitness before his first Scottish Short Course meet. He delivered a massive PB and finished just two seconds off the final — a result that said everything about his resilience and race-day mentality.
Mindset
On motivation: "I want to get better constantly and want to perform well at galas. If I train harder than I ever have, results will come at the next meet."
On pressure: "I think of all the work put into that swim and how many times I have done it in training."
On tough training days: "If I train well I will race well and have a good meet — and that is rewarding."
On balance: Thomas works hard at school when he can, so that training time is focused and free from the distraction of unfinished homework or revision.
Off the Blocks
Pre-race music
None — the first time he listened to music before a race he got DQ'd, so he has never done it since
Post-training fuel
Hawaiian pizza
Biggest inspiration
His grandad
Hidden talent
Darts
Club and Future
What D&G means to him: "It has been my only club throughout my swimming career and it has helped me progress massively. Some setbacks and limitations, reflecting on, have made me progress more as a swimmer."
Best thing about the team: "A very high level and experienced coaching team who have been involved in the sport themselves, so they know what it is like to be the swimmer."
Advice for younger swimmers: "Train like you are in a race."
This season: Thomas is targeting strong performances at the summer national competitions and closing the gap on the British Championship qualifying time for the 400 IM.
The dream: British Championships — and beyond that, using the discipline and experience swimming has given him to shape his career and life outside the pool.