How many swimmers go to Nationals who *don't* meet the NQTs?

Hi everyone. I'm a slow fitness swimmer who hasn't competed since I was 14, but I'd like to start participating just because it looks fun. I understand that anyone *can* swim up to 3 events at Nationals, but do non-qualifiers take advantage of that? What proportion of heats 'd like to go, but don't want to slow everyone else down.
Parents
  • While the rules do allow it, and some people say that no one will say anything, what actually happens at USMS nationals is a whole different story. Obviously this guy was a big time jerk, but do you think maybe it's time to get over it? From my perspective this is very atypical.
Reply
  • While the rules do allow it, and some people say that no one will say anything, what actually happens at USMS nationals is a whole different story. Obviously this guy was a big time jerk, but do you think maybe it's time to get over it? From my perspective this is very atypical.
Children
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