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!
My old club team cuts off at 18 years old. I can't go that route so I turned to USMS.
As Ande suggested, I would ask again. It is beneficial for a program to have older swimmers who are dedicated to the sport, as guidance for the younger kids. What if a 25 year-old Olympian moved into town? Surely they wouldn't turn away a focused swimmer. I am 31 and swim with a USA-S club.
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?
My LMSC is slightly larger than yours (500+ vs 350+) and there aren't many in the 18-24 age group. But everyone swims together, so it's not like you'd be swimming alone. I would recommend swimming USA-S events as well...for the added competition and you might feel more "at home" in that environment. I swam USA-S throughout college and didn't start USMS until my 20's. Of course I am kicking myself now for not getting involved sooner because USMS is a blast. You'll probably feel a little young at first, but don't worry, that fades :)
My old club team cuts off at 18 years old. I can't go that route so I turned to USMS.
As Ande suggested, I would ask again. It is beneficial for a program to have older swimmers who are dedicated to the sport, as guidance for the younger kids. What if a 25 year-old Olympian moved into town? Surely they wouldn't turn away a focused swimmer. I am 31 and swim with a USA-S club.
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?
My LMSC is slightly larger than yours (500+ vs 350+) and there aren't many in the 18-24 age group. But everyone swims together, so it's not like you'd be swimming alone. I would recommend swimming USA-S events as well...for the added competition and you might feel more "at home" in that environment. I swam USA-S throughout college and didn't start USMS until my 20's. Of course I am kicking myself now for not getting involved sooner because USMS is a blast. You'll probably feel a little young at first, but don't worry, that fades :)
