09/09/2026
After many years of dedication, sacrifice and countless hours in the pool,Sliema swimmer Thomas Wareing is now closing one chapter of his swimming career and beginning another, this time from the pool deck as a coach.
Thomas leaves competitive swimming with a career he can be immensely proud of. A true blue Sliema swimmer and Maltese national team athlete, he represented Malta on numerous international stages, competing at the Junior European Championships, Youth Commonwealth Games, European Championships, World Championships and Games of the Small States of Europe.
One of the defining moments of his career came in 2018, when Thomas became the first Maltese swimmer to break the one-minute barrier in the 100m Backstroke, recording 59.93. That was just one of many national records he would go on to establish throughout his career.
His record-breaking achievements also included the 200m Backstroke, 200m Individual Medley and 400m Individual Medley, events in which he continued to push the boundaries of Maltese swimming. His 200m Individual Medley national record of 2:07.95, set in 2022, was another defining achievement in his career.
At the 2023 Games of the Small States of Europe, Thomas added international medals to his achievements, winning silver in the 400m Individual Medley and bronze in the 200m Backstroke for Malta.
But Thomas' legacy is about much more than records and medals.
He has always been a true team player, someone who understood that swimming is not only about individual success, but about supporting your teammates, sharing their victories and standing beside them through the difficult moments.
He has also been a wonderful example of true sportsmanship, respectful, humble and always willing to encourage others. Those qualities, in many ways, are more valuable than any medal or record.
Away from the pool, Thomas showed the same commitment to excellence in his academic journey, completing a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sport, Exercise and Health, while balancing the demands of being a national-level athlete. His Bachelor's thesis explored the use of psychological tools to enhance sporting performance, an area particularly relevant to understanding the mental side of competitive sport and athlete development.
He went on to further his education with a Master's degree in Exercise and Sports Science, demonstrating the same discipline and commitment to learning that characterised his swimming career.
And now, after years of being coached, competing and learning, Thomas has the opportunity to give back to the sport that has shaped so much of his life.
He takes with him years of experience β the early mornings, the tough training sessions, the pressure of competition, the disappointments, the victories and the lessons that only an athlete can truly understand.
The goggles may be coming off, but Thomas Wareing's journey in swimming is far from over.
From being an athlete in the lane to becoming a mentor on the pool deck, we are excited to see him inspire and guide the next generation of swimmers.
Thank you, Thomas, for the records, the medals, the commitment, the team spirit and, above all, for the example you have set.
Once a swimmer, always a swimmer. And now, a coach. ππββοΈ
We wish you every success in this exciting new chapter.
