William Leonard James Newell (13 July 1913 – 17 August 1994) was a New Zealand swimmer who represented his country at the 1938 British Empire Games.
[1] Newell won the 440 yards freestyle title at the New Zealand national swimming championships, representing Canterbury, in 1936, 1938, and 1940.
[2] He represented New Zealand in the men's 440 yards and 1650 yards freestyle events at the 1938 British Empire Games in Sydney.
[3] He finished seventh in his heat of the 440 yards,[4] and did not progress to the final, while in his heat of the 1650 yards he retired.
[5] Newell died in Christchurch on 17 August 1994, and his ashes were buried at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in the suburb of Linwood.