By the way, Anna Lea, great article in Swimmer. I'm with you all the way.
I agree! :hijack: Ok, it's off the subject of the video, but not really. Hopefully, the video gave all viewers the sense that USMS is INCLUSIVE and for EVERYBODY who loves to swim! And, from what I have experienced, USMS Nationals is the same. I have been to three Nationals, since joining USMS, in February, 2010; the first one after being a member for only two months and having been out of competition for 32 years! I was a cellar dweller, along with Ana Lea, in our age group. Did we care? Nope! I had a great time at Nationals and meeting Ana Lea was part of what made it so terrific. She was upbeat, positive, and there to have FUN. We didn't win any medals but I think I can speak for Ana Lea that neither of us cared one bit. It was a fantastic experience and the best part of it was meeting so many great swimmers who didn't care about our rankings either. As a matter of fact, Allen Stark, the current 200 breaststroke world record holder (60-64), was at my lane watching my races and giving me feedback after I finished. Had I felt intimidated or worried about my newbie (and slow) status and not shown up to Nationals, I would have missed out on these terrific experiences!
Ana Lea, you GO GIRL!
By the way, Anna Lea, great article in Swimmer. I'm with you all the way.
I agree! :hijack: Ok, it's off the subject of the video, but not really. Hopefully, the video gave all viewers the sense that USMS is INCLUSIVE and for EVERYBODY who loves to swim! And, from what I have experienced, USMS Nationals is the same. I have been to three Nationals, since joining USMS, in February, 2010; the first one after being a member for only two months and having been out of competition for 32 years! I was a cellar dweller, along with Ana Lea, in our age group. Did we care? Nope! I had a great time at Nationals and meeting Ana Lea was part of what made it so terrific. She was upbeat, positive, and there to have FUN. We didn't win any medals but I think I can speak for Ana Lea that neither of us cared one bit. It was a fantastic experience and the best part of it was meeting so many great swimmers who didn't care about our rankings either. As a matter of fact, Allen Stark, the current 200 breaststroke world record holder (60-64), was at my lane watching my races and giving me feedback after I finished. Had I felt intimidated or worried about my newbie (and slow) status and not shown up to Nationals, I would have missed out on these terrific experiences!
Ana Lea, you GO GIRL!
