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
OK - I'm sorry for bringing up the club scoring issue after the meet....I had no idea that It would garner so much attention (and emotion). I just wanted to find out why the old system was dropped cause it was really fun competing against other small clubs. Our team (VCM) had a blast a few years ago in Indy, Hawaii, and Tempe battling for the small men's team title (2nd & 3rd in Indy & HI). Now it's different and I was just curious why the switch was made.....and I wanted to put my vote in for going back to the old system or something new that would involve all sizes of teams/clubs, especially the smaller individual clubs. I know no system is perfect and not everyone will be happy, but I guess the question has to be asked.....is there a better system? I think it would be awesome if we put our heads together and came up with "the model system" that other athletic associations (i.e., Masters track & field, cycling, triathlon, etc.) looked to as an example for team scoring. Maybe I'm dreaming.
Paul and John Smith, great job on you efforts with CMS....your hard work (and talent) has paid off for CMS and USMS. You probably encouraged many swimmers to attend nationals who would have otherwise not come - that's great. By the way Paul, you STILL owe me a case of beer for those two 50 back bets.....double or nothing again??
Shaf,
It was important to bring up, and let me try and be a bit clearer on my position.
My concern right now is that the rules we're changed to the current system and that people are looking for ways to "modify" this system to "level the playing field"...........which I'm against.
I have no problem what so ever with there being a division of teams; small, medium, large........Club vs. State, etc. etc. In fast I do think that is a better way to go, however let's make sure that its well thought out and as simple as possible. One things for sure, no one will ever be 100% happy with any set up!
As for our little wager, you know damn well you kicked past 15m so don't even give me that "owing" you crap! I will however start from scratch and go for a full ase in the 200 free next year in FL!!
I've been totally "worked" by fellow Gaucho, so sad!
OK..........the 500........if the shoulder surgery goes down.
PS: for those of you reading these pathetic posts you're seeing in action one of the best ways to keep yourself training/motivated....as well as getting people to commit to meets!
Pablo,
My buddy and the stroke & turn official that day, Steve Schofield, would never allow me to go past the 15m mark. It was legit and if I remember correctly, you lost by over a second...ouch!! Then you lost the "double or nothing" rematch the following year in Vegas, so we're not even close to being "even." And by the way knucklehead, you were the one who laid down the bet in the first place!! Now if you want me to change the event and give you another shot at "double or nothing", I'll give you a few more options other than 50 back.....how about 100/200 back, 200 fly, 400/500 free, 1000 free, 1500/1650 free. I was thinking of including the 100 fly, but at 7'4" you have too much of an unfair advantage (can you say level playing field?). So what's it going to be?
P.S. Don't make us Santa Barbara Gauchos look bad by not paying up on your bets. My teammates want to have a post-nats party, so it'd be nice if you'd send over a case of your finest from the Rockies.....FINALLY!!
Tall Paul...the 500 it is. I now have something to start training for after my knee surgery next week. You better get that shoulder fixed so you can start putting in some non-sprinter/distance workouts.....ha-ha.
Originally posted by jean sterling
I agree with ShayShay.
I watched her entire 1650 as well as some other races ...never know where you're gonna get that inspiration from...a former big name olympian or an anonymous lane 8
I'm "tuning into this very late" but it doesn't look like your question was ever answered about the woman at Nationals who swims with one arm. I believe that the woman is Sue Mocha from Brandon, FL. She is truly an inspiration to all swimmers here in Florida as she has overcome serious physical disabilities but competes in the longest, most grueling swims of all (open water, distance postals up to 10K, 400 IM's, 1650, etc) . She has one of the most positive attitudes of any swimmer I have ever met! I am enclosing a little blurb about her as she won the "Overcoming Adversity Award" for Florida Local Masters in 2003. She is also actively involved with Florida Master's swimming and currently serves as the Sanctions Chairperson.
home.earthlink.net/.../inspiration.html
Sharon Salzman
Chiming in late but i just discovered this discussion forum.
Nationals in Ft. Lauderdale were very enjoyable for me. It was my first Master's meet and my first competition in 24 years. What a good way to launch my Master's career. I am once again "Hooked on swimming".
Good meet, good people, good motel (GinaLee) and wonderful facility.
Look forward to many more competitions and the nationals in Florida next May.
blessings to all
AguaMan
