Terrence James Laughlin was an American swimming coach, author, and the founder of Total Immersion, a groundbreaking swim technique that revolutionized the sport by emphasizing efficiency, form, and ease over speed. Starting his coaching career in the 1970s, Laughlin trained 24 national champions and developed Total Immersion in 1989 to help adult-onset swimmers, especially triathletes, gain confidence and efficiency in the water. His method focused on balance, streamlining, and energy conservation, attracting a global following and influencing coaches at all levels.
A best-selling author, Laughlin penned Total Immersion: The Revolutionary Way to Swim Better, Faster and Easier and several other influential books and videos, with his teachings amassing millions of views online. He was also a sought-after instructor who inspired swimmers worldwide—from elite athletes to fearful beginners.
Even while battling metastatic prostate cancer, he continued to swim, teach, and inspire. Laughlin passed away in 2017, leaving a transformative legacy in swimming education and technique.