Thomas Hopkins

Thomas Hopkins, along with the Leigh brothers Stanley and Ernest, were three members of the Swansea YMCA sent to compete in the gymnastics events at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Another member, Aubrey Smith was originally selected, but did not go to the Games. It was quite a remarkable feat considering the gymnastics section of the YMCA was barely four years old.

Stanley Leigh was the star performer of the three Swansea men, and won many Welsh and National titles. Hopkins finished second to him in the 1923 Welsh Championship, and in the National Championship at Liverpool the following year Hopkins finished fourth, with the Leigh siblings in first and third place. The Olympic trio, plus Aubrey Smith, helped the Swansea YMCA to win the Adams Shield for the National Team Championship for the first time in 1924.