It is with deep sadness that Henley SLSC informs members and the wider community that club legend Andrew Lanyon passed away today, after a battle with cancer.
Andrew is Henley personified.
A quiet leader who guided others through his actions, Andrew showed generations of Henley members how to embrace competition as a way to become better people. He knew the power sport has to unite – from forming life-long friendships to pulling people together to work toward a common cause – and through his gentle coaxing encouraged countless people to simply “have a go”.
Current members will most likely know Andrew as the dedicated gentleman who ran the Club Swim each week, diligently working out handicaps, encouraging the youngsters to keep trying, and always giving a kind word to you as you breathlessly crossed the line and reported your time to him.
But look on any of our honour boards to understand that Andrew was Henley’s champion.
World, national, state medals; Andrew has them all. Swimming, boards, ski events; Andrew did them all.
You wouldn’t know it, because he wouldn’t tell you. But anyone who has ever competed with or against Andrew will attest to his prowess.
However, titles, awards and accolades were simply a result for Andrew, not who he was. Andrew taught so many people how to swim, board, ski … yes to compete, but mostly what he taught all of us was simply how to be. How to be in the moment, how to be respectful, how to be joyful of everyone’s successes, how to be gracious in defeat.
Since gaining his Bronze at 16 in 1973, Andrew served the club across surf sports and life saving. His legacy is teaching us how to train to win, and doing this himself from out in front.
For his dedication, Andrew is a Henley Life Member and was this year inducted into the Surf Life Saving South Australia Hall of Fame for his achievements in sport.
Our hearts go out to his family and many close friends, and we know the international surf life saving and swimming communities will forever remember the thrill of watching Andrew Lanyon stepping up to the line or on to the blocks.
Vale Andrew Lanyon 09/12/1957 – 03/11/2024.
