In between his work as a partner and trial lawyer for legal firm Eagles Eagles & Redpath, he has spent the past two years delving into Southland’s swimming history, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century and focusing particularly on the period from 1928 to 2023.
His book, which celebrates Southland’s rich and storied history of competitive swimming, was warmly received at its launch at the city’s swimming complex.
"It was quiet, but enjoyable," Eagles said of the event.
"People turned up and chatted, sat down, and were quite interested in the background as to why the book was written."
The meticulously researched work captures the essence of Southland’s swimming culture, highlighting the achievements of its Empire and Commonwealth Games representatives, Olympians, and other notable figures who have shaped the sport in the region.
Southland’s Swimming Story also brought to life the personal experiences of top swimmers and coaches, he said.
"Once I started reaching out to some of the former swimmers, they were very delighted that someone was thinking and remembering what they'd done."
Graham Smith, the son of Joyce MacDonald, who competed in the Empire Games in 1939, still lived in Invercargill, Eagles said.
"I was able to get in touch with him and he was able to fossick around and find information about his mother.
"I ended up getting a photograph of Joyce when she married after the war and put that in."
Eagles’ work was also instrumental in helping former Swimming Southland president Robyn Jackson receive a Queen’s Service Medal last year.
"That was another by-product of the research; I thought, why has this woman not been recognised nationally and got the board to agree, and then we were able to make a nomination for her to receive an award," he said.
Southland’s Swimming Story is available at Paper Plus.
