I am not usually one to complain about swim meets, since I appreciate all the hard work that goes in to putting one on.... And I fully understand that this is the largest LCM Nationals in the history of Masters Swimming....
But really...
Not being able to swim against your competition in the 200's???
This is not a local meet. This is the Nationals. The ONLY time I get to swim against my own age group.
There needs to be a better solution.
I agree. The adrenalin produced by swimming against those you are competing with for top 10, records etc. is perceptibly different than a field of people you don't know and can be decades younger or older. This was the same policy used at Omaha and the separation from your age group competitors was very noticeable. The Nationals is a special event that requires a different focus and investment than local meets (tapering, shaving, not to mention the time and financial investment). It should be treated as such and despite large numbers, not be compromised.
I agree. The adrenalin produced by swimming against those you are competing with for top 10, records etc. is perceptibly different than a field of people you don't know and can be decades younger or older. This was the same policy used at Omaha and the separation from your age group competitors was very noticeable. The Nationals is a special event that requires a different focus and investment than local meets (tapering, shaving, not to mention the time and financial investment). It should be treated as such and despite large numbers, not be compromised.
