Sad news - RIP Terry

[Janos]

So very sad to hear this. Think it will take a while to come to terms with the passing of such a character in swimming.
His love of swimming was infectious, and through his books he touched so many peoples lives, mine included. He inspired in them a love of swimming through his love of the sport and his eloquent and insightful writing.
He was at a triathlon expo in Manchester UK a few years ago, and I just had to go and meet him. In person he was just as passionate about TI and swimming in general, and was a very friendly and approachable guy.
He will be sorely missed, and is irreplaceable as the face of TI.

[sclim]

Echoing the experience of many others, despite never meeting him in person, I felt the strong imprint of his personality through his books, videos, blogs and frequent eloquent expressions of his philosophy and teaching methods. It is difficult to imagine a life better lived or anyone who had a greater influence on swimmers around the world.

In thinking of Terry "The Joy of Swimming*" springs to mind. Perhaps that was his greatest gift to the world.

*I realize that someone else wrote a book of that title, but the concept of swimming as a sensual joyful experience filled with learning and innate pleasure seems, to me at least. to be Terry's gift.

[novaswimmer]

After having giving up on swimming entirely because I just couldn't 'get it' ('sinkers' are at a distinct disadvantage), I came across TI videos about 4 years ago. Having read testimonies from those similar to me, I was intrigued. I bought a book, pursued more videos and scanned the forums.
I started up this pursuit again, beginning with the TI drills. Slowly I began to incorporate breathing into the stroke (a whole new challenge).

Eventually I came to swim an hour, non-stop, by using the TI approach to balance, streamline and propulsion! I'm still slow and I'm still learning (and I'm not getting any younger!). Thanks Terry, wherever you are right now! The swimming community will truly miss you.

[bx]

Very sad to hear this. Terry opened the door to a type of swimming that I would never have thought even existed. His genius was that he knew how to communicate that to a very wide audience. Terry had rock-solid integrity and maintained dignity and grace under fire from many sides. He leaves a life-enriching legacy for many thousands of swimmers.

[drone]

Truly the loss of a rare individual that made the world a better place, Terry's approach & techniques completely revolutionized my swimming, introducing an awareness that extends beyond the water. Thank you.

My prayers and condolences to the Team TI and Terry's family.

I have not had the privilege of meeting Terry but his TI teachings which my swim coaches have used extensively have helped an adult onset swimmer like me to steadily improve my technique. For this I am grateful.

May his soul rest in peace.

[Mike from NS]

If not for having found Terry and Total Immersion, and from his passionate helpful replies to many questions by others (and myself) over the years, I sincerely believe that I would never have learned to swim. Condolences and prayers for his family and for Terry.
Mike

[efdoucette]

I am a late age swimmer because of Terry. Swimming has become part of my life now. Through my last 7 years of self teaching I've felt Terry's presence, he took the time to reply to my posts on this forum. A stranger that changed my life really. RIP Terry and thank you, condolences to the family.

What a huge shock.

I can not think of all the words to say about Terry. We met only once for a weekend, but that experience has never left me. What he told us and the way he said it hit the mark. Terry was a change agent for so many people by opening their eyes to transferable skills.

Enjoy perpetual motion my friend....see you later on the other side.

[sojomojo]

Outside magazine has a very good article on the life of Terry Laughlin:

https://www.outsideonline.com/225573...-laughlin-dies