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
As I have said before, who cares about this stupid list anyhow? I guess it's important to those who competed but who else is going to look at it and for what reason?
I'd be interested in it. I would think anyone interested in the history of the sport would also be interested in such a list.
Are you interested in the USMS Top Ten list? Are you interested in World Records? It seems like if you're interested in anything like this you'd also be interested in a list of masters swimmers who have also participated in The Olympics.
Jane Swaggerty Hill was contacted twice about Donna's credentials. Jane stated that Donna was not on the team with her, not at the trials, not at the Nationals and not at the Santa Clara Swim Club. Jane has never heard of her.
You're right, although having your name on a piece of paper - in this case a massive paper trail leading nowhere – does help establish credibility.
It is useful for press purposes, and will also be useful for fact checking once it’s in a place where we can easily find it.
We have been discussing this for the last 5 days and there has not been any evidence given here to substantiate this claim. No one is saying she is not an inspiration and a great lady. Its about being on the 1968 Olympic team as an alternate in the 100 meter Back and swimming this event at the Olympic Trials to be able to qualify to swim in the event in the 1968 Olympics.
I find it very hard to believe that every website that has been mentioned here (USOC) (USA Swimming) (Swimming World Magazine) (International Swimming Hall of Fame) could make the same error about this swimmer not being listed in any of the documentation about Olympians.
The bottom line is until there is such proof or evidence of this, then the swimmers name does not belong on the list of Olympians that USMS keeps. If someone out there can substantiate otherwise and prove the USOC, USA Swimming, Swimming World Magazine, and ISHOF of there errors in omitting the swimmer in question, then they have to come up with evidence to the contrary, otherwise there is no way to substantiate the claim.
You're right, although having your name on a piece of paper - in this case a massive paper trail leading nowhere – does help establish credibility.
Well said, Quicksilver. That was my impression as well.
Paperwork would indeed help. But it's a knotty legal question. Frank is right that, without verification, the name can't go on the list. That's a sensible. logical position. Yet, I think perhaps you need something more than existing paperwork, something completely definitive before using a word like imposter or fraud in public. But I'm sure Donna can work it out and decide how to proceed with whatever proof she does or doesn't have.
Kind of agree with Matt. I'm more interested in the here and now than in which masters were olympians many years ago. Although I do love watching big meets or the Olympics. I enjoy masters meets as well.
Well, I am not terribly interested in the history of the sport. To each his/her own.
That's kind of sad...but to each their own.
I However tip my hat and to those that have achieved to me what is the one of the greatest accomplishment in sport...those that "show up" at Trials and make Top 2 (4 in relays) are worthy of having an asterick next to theri names (wether they want it or not) for the rest of their lives....and if they are competing in Masters "SWIMMING"...it would be in my opinion disgraceful of us (USMS) not to recognize them.
One a girl from Hamilton Ontario told every one she was an Olympic Swimmer
Maybe she meant she swam in an Olympic-sized pool once :)
"No, I'm not an Olympian...but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night."
How is that sad? Does everybody who swims need to study up on past Olympians to be worthy of donning a Speedo?
On this thread that would seem to be one of the key points...
But thanks for sharing....very insightful post.
Matt, I'm not sure I get your point. At least twice in this thread you've stated "who cares about the list?" It should be obvious that some people do care, regardless of whether or not you are one of them.
I also consulted the USOC 1968 Olympic book, published after the Games. I also consulted the USOC data base. No mention of her name either place.
Jane Swaggerty Hill was an competitor in the 100 back and the Bronze medalist at Mexico City. I think she would have remembered the swimmers in her event. She said anyone could check with her.
Next year the Olympic trials will be held in Omaha and the 1948 and 1968 teams will be honored, I shall ask all members there too. If anyone lives in the area, the trials are the most exciting swim meet held in this country and I urge you to attend.
I hate to say this Gail but Jane could be wrongYes, Jane could have forgotten it was almost 40 years ago.
But as others have pointed out, this has definitely piqued the interest and research juices of many of us.
Including me… In rooting around on the USA Swimming web site, I ran across another listing of US Olympians that included the athletes, alternates, coaches, trainers, committee members and others. A link is attached. I don’t know what name Donna swam under in ’68, but hopefully it is on this list. I would love to help bring this to closure.
www.usaswimming.org/.../alltime_olympians.pdf
But the bigger question…so George did you do the honorable thing and marry Nurse Chuckie?
