In the Nationals Forum their has been discussion about the decision to swim 200s at Nats by time only and not by age groups. forums.usms.org/showthread.php .Here is your chance to register your opinion for future reference.
I would prioritize as follows:
First, six events. For the first time in my experience, LCM nats this year dropped the 6th event. If I'm going to spend $1000 or more to go to a freakin' swimming meet, fer gawsh sakes, please let me swim all six events.
Second, age groups. If I'm going to a national championships, fer gawsh sakes, I want to race against the top guys in my age group. As a spectator, I want to watch races for the national championship. Stevenson vs. pwb vs. others in the 500 free at Greensboro was definitely worth the price of admission. Abrahams 100 free at GaTech 2010 will be remembered forever. Stark 200 *** at Auburn 2011. Need I say more? Age groups are a key feature at nats, even in events 200+.
Third, timeline. I appreciate and adore all meet officials and volunteers. I'd like to get them home 20 minutes earlier too! But at the same time, I'd plead with them to stay 20 or 40 minutes longer for the benefit of the competitors, who after spending $1000+, would like to swim 6 races, and the spectators, who enjoy the thrill of victory / agony of defeat thing. I think they'd go along with that.
:2cents:
I would prioritize as follows:
First, six events. For the first time in my experience, LCM nats this year dropped the 6th event. If I'm going to spend $1000 or more to go to a freakin' swimming meet, fer gawsh sakes, please let me swim all six events.
Second, age groups. If I'm going to a national championships, fer gawsh sakes, I want to race against the top guys in my age group. As a spectator, I want to watch races for the national championship. Stevenson vs. pwb vs. others in the 500 free at Greensboro was definitely worth the price of admission. Abrahams 100 free at GaTech 2010 will be remembered forever. Stark 200 *** at Auburn 2011. Need I say more? Age groups are a key feature at nats, even in events 200+.
Third, timeline. I appreciate and adore all meet officials and volunteers. I'd like to get them home 20 minutes earlier too! But at the same time, I'd plead with them to stay 20 or 40 minutes longer for the benefit of the competitors, who after spending $1000+, would like to swim 6 races, and the spectators, who enjoy the thrill of victory / agony of defeat thing. I think they'd go along with that.
:2cents:
