Meet Jo
Lifelong member, Supporter and Leader within G.A.S.C.
We caught up with Joanna Laing recognising her years of dedicated volunteering, leadership, and unwavering support. Jo has been at the heart of GASC for many years helping steer the club through some of its toughest moments, including the challenges of the Covid period. As Head Coach, she inspired countless swimmers with her passion, patience, and commitment.
We were incredibly proud to present Life Membership of Glenrothes Amateur Swimming Club to Joanna Laing recognising her years of dedicated volunteering, leadership, and unwavering support.
Jo has been at the heart of GASC for many years — guiding swimmers, supporting families, and helping steer the club through some of its toughest moments, including the challenges of the Covid period. As Head Coach, she inspired countless swimmers with her passion, patience, and commitment.
What makes this award even more special is that Jo’s GASC journey began in the pool, as she herself was a swimmer with the club when she was younger. Her love of the sport continued through her children, who both followed in her footsteps and proudly swam for GASC — with many swimmers having fond memories of being coached by Jo!
We caught up with Jo to find out more about her...
1. What made you decide to get into swimming?
I got into swimming when I was relatively old - at 19. I used to play rugby and got continuously injured and was looking for something else to do. I only ever had Primary school swimming lessons so was largely self taught. I started at a Triathlon Club and then became a Masters swimmer at GASC. Masters swimmers trained with the top squad at that time - same hours, including the early sessions!
2. How long have you been a swimmer?
Since I was 19 and I am 51- 32 years (I had to get a calculator…).
3. Which teams did you/do you swim for?
I have mainly swam for Glenrothes but a friend of mine became the Head Coach at Carnegie and a bunch of us started with them at the same time. This did coincide with a fair few of us returning to swimming after having children or a gap in our competitive training. We used to meet at the pool to have time away from our babies (6am every day) and started a small group, which grew. We still compete with Carnegie but there is a strong overlap with GASC and we all sit together at Gala’s and socialise together too. Some of us are registered with both teams.
4. How many hours did you/do you train per week?
I only train 2-3 hours per week at any convenient pool. I coach myself, which means sessions take a longer time than normal as I always find someone to chat to and there is no-one to tell me off.
5. What's your favourite gala/competition?
I love the Scottish Nationals (Masters). It was my first competitive gala. I also love Helensburgh and Inverclyde as they have massive picture windows that look out onto the sea. Very calming
6. What's your favourite event?
This depends. Generally the shorter and faster the better but I have been known to do well at open water events and 800m plus. I like a challenge!
7. What's your favourite stroke?
I am good at back crawl but prefer front crawl. I like sprint breaststroke too. Fly is the devil's stroke.
8. What's your best PB?
I genuinely can’t remember. I have not competed for a few years and as you age, you are lucky to maintain your times.
9. What's your preferred pre-race snack?
Dark chocolate. The epicatechin, a type of flavanol, has been shown to enhance performance. The down side is that chocolate melts on the poolside so it was more of a drink the last time I had it.
10. What would you say to encourage future swimmers to get involved?
Swimming is great fun. Folk think it is just swimming up and down but it is rarely that boring. There is a nice mix of males and females in each squad so it is a more egalitarian sport than most. You make a lot of lifetime friends through it too. It is also a sport for life. You can start when you are a baby and there is a 90+ age group at Masters level. It is a form of exercise that you can perform at participation level and/or elite level for your entire life. Largely the injuries are not too severe either (ex rugby player here). Just being in the water gives you an emotional lift. There are so many reasons but fun being the main one!