I'm 19, I swam very competitively here in KS from 8 to 14 years old and stopped because my high school didn't have a team and I needed a break from hardcore swimmin. I have been missing the sport since I left and I am now trying to get back into it. My old club team cuts off at 18 years old. I can't go that route so I turned to USMS.
It doesn't seem like there are any USMS teams around here so I'm going to start working out at my old club alone for a few months until I'm in minimum swimming shape again before I consider any meets.
My questions are:
1.) When I do compete again will I most likely be alone in my races due to my age, or do you usually see a decent number of people my age?
2.) What is the general level of competitiveness associated with USMS? Not to sound conceited but I have a big box full of blue ribbons and gold medals; I'm not slow. I want some type of competition.
3.) If I were to be alone in my age group, is there an "open" age group?
I understand these things will depend on my area but I'm asking for your opinion based on what you've seen in your area.
Thanks!
I understand these things will depend on my area but I'm asking for your opinion based on what you've seen in your area.
Yes, they will hugely. Did you check the meet results from your LMSC? You can probably find them here: http://www.movymasters.org/ Missouri Valley is a pretty small LMSC in terms of number of members. Only 369 registered swimmers. You can compare that to over 10,000 swimmers in the Pacific LMSC, for example.
I think you'll find that the 18-24 age group can be hit or miss. You may be the only person that age at meets or there may be others. It really depends. Keep in mind you can also register for USA Swimming as an unattached swimmer as there may be more opportunities to compete in USA-S vs. USMS.
I understand these things will depend on my area but I'm asking for your opinion based on what you've seen in your area.
Yes, they will hugely. Did you check the meet results from your LMSC? You can probably find them here: http://www.movymasters.org/ Missouri Valley is a pretty small LMSC in terms of number of members. Only 369 registered swimmers. You can compare that to over 10,000 swimmers in the Pacific LMSC, for example.
I think you'll find that the 18-24 age group can be hit or miss. You may be the only person that age at meets or there may be others. It really depends. Keep in mind you can also register for USA Swimming as an unattached swimmer as there may be more opportunities to compete in USA-S vs. USMS.
