Thanks to everyone involved in the Ft. Lauderdale Nationals. I had a great time and met some exceptional people. I especially want to thank Doug Malcolm for the competition in the adjacent lane. It looks like (from USMS data) you have not competed for quite a while and had a great meet! I had not competed for over 20 years when I entered the 2001 Nat's at Santa Clara and have done pretty well for the past few years. Doug exemplifies what our sport should be all about; a true competitor who brings out the best in someone like me who may not have accomplished the standards acheived in Ft. Lauderdale without someone like him next to me. I never got a chance to thank you so I am doing so now. Keep up the good work!
I would also like to congradulate John Blank for being the first male competitor over 45 to break one minute in the 100 yard breaststroke; a great accomplishment! I have never broken a minute in that event and am full of envy.
Lee Rider
I'd like to add my kudos to Mark for a very informative and entertaining announcing job. Add my vote for him to get the permanent job. One of the things that really helped was a great sound system. You could hear clearly from anywhere on the deck and that was a big plus.
Also, I thought the meet was extremely well organized and I'd personally like to thank Stu Marvin for coming out of "retirement" to run the show. Now maybe he'll have some time to start competeing again.
Mark was very entertaining and did a good job. I'm sure that Rich especially enjoyed being referred to by Mark as a "nineteen year old" in his 200 free!!!
Originally posted by Rich Abrahams
Heather,
That's the first I heard of that. Maybe I should reconsider
I think that it was after the first 50. He said something to the effect of "Now we have 19 year old Rich Abrahams taking the lead in the 200".
By the way you truly are an inspiration in both your fast swimming and by the way you look. Is it the Colorado air??? You might have to start bringing your driver's license to meets to prove that you are actually 60!!!
I think that Rich should write a book called "Secrets to Achieving the Six Pack after Sixty". Judging by the interest of several posters in trying to get a six pack again I think that it would be a best seller...
I had a great time too! Kudos to all the meet organizers and volunteers. I hadn't swam at the pool in 21 years (1984 Y Nationals as an age grouper) and can't wait to swim there again. I was amazed by all of the fast times and loved seeing the city dominated by swimmers. Thanks to the Hospitality area too! The Gold Medal sponsorship was well worth having a place to cool off in the AC and get a good cold bottle of water.
Jim,
Darn, I wanted to buy one of your Gospel CD. :-)
Your *** events looked good.
I did try to get a few words about him when he swam the 200 free since he took over 30 minutes to recover from a 2:00 free.
It's hard to get a word in since he took the cordless mic to the blocks when he was swimming and then started commentating right after he was done swimming.
Now, that take's talent. He did keep the meet very entertaining.
Originally posted by NKMD
It's hard to get a word in since he took the cordless mic to the blocks when he was swimming and then started commentating right after he was done swimming.
I noticed that! I saw him with the mic while he was standing behind the blocks waiting for his relay heat. I expected him to hand over the mic sort of like runners have to pass the baton in relays :)
I had a great meet and a great time. Thanks to everyone who helped out in Ft. Lauderdale!
