Just curious if anyone out there has competed in any USA swim meets in the "open" age group category. My masters coach who is also the age group coach is encouraging me to register for this meet. I guess I am somewhat concerned of the "perception" of a 36 year old swimming next to mom and dads junior swimmer. I know I can hold my own against these kids but am also afraid that I could discourage the younger swimmer in age group if he gets beat by an 36 yr old.
Any Thoughts?
Greg
Well, if you are as old as I am, they think it is ok and clap when you finish. They have no idea if you are swimming fast or slow. If you are younger and compete against them, the kids probably won't mind as they are just trying to beat a certain time (A, AA, AAA) and not getting personal about it. The parents are the ones that might object. When I first started working our with the kids, some of the parents objected as I "Was taking a place away from a child", but the coach stood up for me and said if I could make the interval he wasn't discriminating. When I swam in a meet at 45, no one had a problem. I know the Hawaiian Association will not permit masters to swim, there is someone who wins....... I would swim and let them know that swimming if a sport for all ages.
Well, if you are as old as I am, they think it is ok and clap when you finish. They have no idea if you are swimming fast or slow. If you are younger and compete against them, the kids probably won't mind as they are just trying to beat a certain time (A, AA, AAA) and not getting personal about it. The parents are the ones that might object. When I first started working our with the kids, some of the parents objected as I "Was taking a place away from a child", but the coach stood up for me and said if I could make the interval he wasn't discriminating. When I swam in a meet at 45, no one had a problem. I know the Hawaiian Association will not permit masters to swim, there is someone who wins....... I would swim and let them know that swimming if a sport for all ages.
