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 agree - great job by the meet organizers and all of the volunteers last week. The meet seemed to run super smooth and Mark Gill was very entertaining behind the mic. I only identified 3 things that would make future nationals even better: cooler weather (can't control that!!); $1/minute massage rates ($1.50/min was a bit steep); and a return of the small/medium team competition. Why were the small/medium team categories removed in the first place?
I agree - great job by the meet organizers and all of the volunteers last week. The meet seemed to run super smooth and Mark Gill was very entertaining behind the mic. I only identified 3 things that would make future nationals even better: cooler weather (can't control that!!); $1/minute massage rates ($1.50/min was a bit steep); and a return of the small/medium team competition. Why were the small/medium team categories removed in the first place?
