There's a story on swimswam (swimswam.com/.../) about Anthony Ervin swimming at USMS Nationals and the first comment states:
There is nothing better than going to a USMS meet and seeing swimmers like Anthony Ervin compete. It makes you feel like a 12 year old fan again!
In the same breath I will ask; what is the point of letting their times count as USMS records? They are professional two-a-day swimmers in the same age group categories as young professionals who might make a few practices per week. There is no way real Masters swimmers are able to train to be able to beat them. The professional swimmers wouldn’t be able to beat themselves with the same schedule afforded to the a real Masters swimmer. Thoughts?
My thoughts are that this is ridiculous. Anyone who is registered in USMS has as much right to set a record as anyone else. Who exactly is the arbiter of what a "real masters swimmer" is?
I have no problem with elite athletes swimming USMS and setting records. They raise the bar for all and have every right to be there.
I have more of a problem with a situation such as Y-Nationals being recognized by USMS with results that will count towards the lists but excludes many USMS members from participation.
USMS meets need to be open to all registered members and all members should be able to be recognized for their accomplishments. Period. Anything less would be uncivilized.
I have no problem with elite athletes swimming USMS and setting records. They raise the bar for all and have every right to be there.
I have more of a problem with a situation such as Y-Nationals being recognized by USMS with results that will count towards the lists but excludes many USMS members from participation.
USMS meets need to be open to all registered members and all members should be able to be recognized for their accomplishments. Period. Anything less would be uncivilized.
