Tom Onley started his coaching journey in 2015 with Coast Swim Club, where he initially started with out of water teaching, swim fit programmes and assisting with coaching. Onley got involved in the swim teaching and coaching industry as he wanted to share his passion and knowledge with younger swimmers.

Within his years on the Hibiscus Coast, Onley progressed into the joint lead of the age group programme. This opportunity helped develop Onley for his next career move, taking up the Head Coach role at Whangārei Swimming Club in mid 2021.

Not long after his shift to Whangārei, one of New Zealand’s most successful swimmers, Cameron Leslie, made the move to be coached by Onley near his home after a 15 year partnership with Simon Mayne. Onley and Leslie have quickly developed a strong coach-athlete relationship, seeing international success from their first major championships.

Their relationship had seen them both selected on the New Zealand team over the past couple of years, with Onley’s first coaching appointment at the 2022 Para Swimming World Championships in Madeira. It was here that Leslie won gold in the S4 100m Freestyle to be crowned World Champion, as well as three silver medals.

The following year, Onley and Leslie were both selected for the 2023 Para Swimming World Championships in Manchester. Leslie had another successful campaign, bringing home gold, two silvers and a bronze.

While Leslie will be competing at his fourth Paralympic Games, Onley will be team coach at his first Paralympic Games come Paris 2024. Onley is honoured to be working alongside the team to support their preparations on the biggest world stage.

Onley’s proudest achievement in his coaching career so far has been guiding Leslie to breaking the S4 50m Freestyle World Record three times in 2022, in addition to his selection as a coach on the New Zealand team. Onley is proud to be part of Leslie’s journey and legacy within swimming.

International Teams Selected as Coach

➡️ 2022 Para Swimming World Championships – Madeira, Portugal

➡️ 2023 Para Swimming World Championships – Manchester, England

➡️ Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

Athletes Selected on International Teams

Cameron Leslie

➡️ 2022 Para Swimming World Championships – Madeira, Portugal

➡️ 2023 Para Swimming World Championships – Manchester, England

➡️ Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

💥 Selected as team coach for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

Onley heads to his first Paralympic Games at Paris 2024, selected as team coach

💥 Selected as team coach for past two Para Swimming World Championships

Made his international coaching debut at the 2022 Para Swimming World Championships in Madeira, going on to be selected as team coach for the following year's championships in Manchester.

💥 Coached Cameron Leslie to breaking the world record three times

Onley guided Leslie to breaking the S4 50m freestyle world record three times in 2022

🥇 Coached Cameron Leslie to eight medals at Para Swimming World Championships, including two gold medals

Across the 2022 and 2023 Para Swimming World Championships, Onley and Leslie's partnership resulted in eight medals - two gold, five silver, and a bronze