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
Parents
Former Member
Years ago back in the 1970's a young woman around 18 to 20 years old wanted to swim in an group meet I was in and couldn't and at that time the maximum age was 17 years old. This happen before the AAU changed it to 18 years old. And I think that open meets are good for the young adults that are not senior qualifying swimmers because it gives them more opportunities and they are just a little over than the 15 to 18 year old age group swimmers. Granted today masters allows 19 to 24 years old but some young people aroundn college age might just as likely enjoy swimming with people just a few years younger than themselves. So, the open format is good for them to be able to do this. As for swimmers past 30 years old, its up to them.
Years ago back in the 1970's a young woman around 18 to 20 years old wanted to swim in an group meet I was in and couldn't and at that time the maximum age was 17 years old. This happen before the AAU changed it to 18 years old. And I think that open meets are good for the young adults that are not senior qualifying swimmers because it gives them more opportunities and they are just a little over than the 15 to 18 year old age group swimmers. Granted today masters allows 19 to 24 years old but some young people aroundn college age might just as likely enjoy swimming with people just a few years younger than themselves. So, the open format is good for them to be able to do this. As for swimmers past 30 years old, its up to them.
