USMS is great for its majority of swimmers, that is, those who missed out on any competing as an individual in their lives, learned to swim later in life, love it, and discovered they love the wellness and friendship circles, with some competing. NCAA swimmers were there, did all that starting at 5,6 years of age, hit the elite circuits in age group swimming, were recruited into top schools, or walked on.. into 2 workouts a day, weights, ... near professional athletes at high level NCAAs. Competing? They did that.
Elite swimmers' aim is to bring new swimmers into the sport, develop friendships, experience swim-based wellness, travel, long term friendships, fellowship. ;)
Just started swimming in July 2023 at age 66. No college or high swimming. Recently joined USMS in September 2023. Trying to qualify for nationals 2024.
My estimate is 75% of competitors at USMS Nationals Swam in College. I estimate 25% of competitors at USMS Nationals are new to Swimming.. So - what are the actual numbers?
I think this would be a great survey question to have on a nationals entry form. I didn’t swim in college only briefly in high school and didn’t start swimming competitively again until 2005. I actually went back to my first coaches team and swam with teenagers in my 30’s. I’d be curious to see what the percentage is of college swimmers vs non
Wayne State 50 & 100.. Down and back.. In and out.. Loved swimming in college..
I wasn’t even a h.s. swimmer. Although I was already a very capable swimmer at that time. I was a track and CC distance runner in h.s. However, one year during the swimming portion of Phys. Ed. class that was being taught by the swim team coach, he had us swim various distances for time. I was always the first to finish right behind the swim team members. He asked me “Why aren’t you on my swim team?” — Dan