I am looking for a list of Olympian Masters and what Olympics and events they particpated in. If you have such a list or know where one is, please let me know. Individual anecdotes are OK too.
Background:
I want to write to "Splash" magazine and ask them to feature some of the people on such a list when they write about great swimmers. I'm tired of reading (and having my kids read) about so-and-so great swimmer, who got to the Olympics, did great, and now swimming is behind them (i.e. they don't swim anymore). On the "mission statement" of Splash, they give lip service to a lifelong involvement with swimming, but they never seem to come up with an example of such a person.
wiredknight
Parents
Former Member
I find it fascinating that the history of swimming's record keeping is the only one in the world that has been perfected and all data is completely accurate. I know of no other organization worldwide that can make this claim, so I commend you all for such outstanding work.
And Rob is correct in his statements about Mr. Spitz; Mark would not have "kindly" used the words charltan, imposter, etc., for those people who claim titles and did not earn them. Mark would have not been so diplomatic and I wouldn't blame him. But we all know that Mark Spitz did things swimming wise that really haven't been done since; the guy was blazingly fast. I remember when Doug Russell took the 100 fly away from him (once); it wasn't a pretty picture, but Mark dug his heels in and showed everyone years later. What a competitor.
Sometimes, there are a few really great swimmers that are developed and to people who do not know them, they appear arrogant. I think this is confidence that they know they need to stay at such an elite level. And outside the pool, they are differently nice. Kind of reminds me of artists and musicians.
There was another thread about our Olympic heros; you know, there are just so many talented people, it's very hard to pick just one. I'd have to say: all of them. They continue to inspire all of us and, hopefully, our younger generation.
donna
I find it fascinating that the history of swimming's record keeping is the only one in the world that has been perfected and all data is completely accurate. I know of no other organization worldwide that can make this claim, so I commend you all for such outstanding work.
And Rob is correct in his statements about Mr. Spitz; Mark would not have "kindly" used the words charltan, imposter, etc., for those people who claim titles and did not earn them. Mark would have not been so diplomatic and I wouldn't blame him. But we all know that Mark Spitz did things swimming wise that really haven't been done since; the guy was blazingly fast. I remember when Doug Russell took the 100 fly away from him (once); it wasn't a pretty picture, but Mark dug his heels in and showed everyone years later. What a competitor.
Sometimes, there are a few really great swimmers that are developed and to people who do not know them, they appear arrogant. I think this is confidence that they know they need to stay at such an elite level. And outside the pool, they are differently nice. Kind of reminds me of artists and musicians.
There was another thread about our Olympic heros; you know, there are just so many talented people, it's very hard to pick just one. I'd have to say: all of them. They continue to inspire all of us and, hopefully, our younger generation.
donna
