I went to a short course Nationals many years ago (Fort Lauderdale) in which swimmers were allowed to swim both the 1000 and 1650, on the same day. Why is it that distance swimmers must choose between their 2 best events while there are 9 events of 100 yards or less? Also, it seems that distance swimmers are always required to miss the most amount of work since the 1000/1650 are always first (Thursday). I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I'm not sure what the reasoning was for only allowing 1 distance event (outside of time). It seems as if they could be swum on different days as they are at USS Nationals or any USS meet for that matter. Just curious.
Blessed With No Speed
The fear is that in a four-day format, there is not enough time to allow swimmers to take part in both distance races. However, we have come up with some ideas that might allow you to swim both.
At this year's long course nationals, Alex Antoniou, the meet director, is going to give one of them a try. The meet is going to be five days longs rather than four. This change is being made to accommodate requests like rudderboy's.
With the five-day format, the 1500 will be swum on the first day and the 800 is offered on the second day. Distance swimmers making the National Qualifying Time in either the 800 or 1500 may swim both events.
The Championship Committee is hopeful that this will make things a bit fairer for the distance swimmers out there while not making any one day of the meet too long.
Mark Gill
The fear is that in a four-day format, there is not enough time to allow swimmers to take part in both distance races. However, we have come up with some ideas that might allow you to swim both.
At this year's long course nationals, Alex Antoniou, the meet director, is going to give one of them a try. The meet is going to be five days longs rather than four. This change is being made to accommodate requests like rudderboy's.
With the five-day format, the 1500 will be swum on the first day and the 800 is offered on the second day. Distance swimmers making the National Qualifying Time in either the 800 or 1500 may swim both events.
The Championship Committee is hopeful that this will make things a bit fairer for the distance swimmers out there while not making any one day of the meet too long.
Mark Gill
