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
If you fit in the times and are swimming the right meet, go for it.
I saw Suzanne Heim-Bowen swim the 1500 at sectionals in San Jose a year ago. She was in lane one in the third fastest heat. I think she was 43 at the time, the next oldest swimmer was 18. Suzanne blew away the field. she finished first in the heat by over a half a lap.
The swimmers could not believe that a woman who was older than some of their mothers beat them. There was a lot of clapping and cheering from her team mates.
If you are at the right meet, dont be an A swimmer in a B/C meet or vise versa, you pay your money, you get your ticket and you swim your race. Enjoy it.
michael
Suzanne broke the National / world record for her age group (it was an 18 flat). It would only count for a national record as World records have to be set at Masters meets.
If you fit in the times and are swimming the right meet, go for it.
I saw Suzanne Heim-Bowen swim the 1500 at sectionals in San Jose a year ago. She was in lane one in the third fastest heat. I think she was 43 at the time, the next oldest swimmer was 18. Suzanne blew away the field. she finished first in the heat by over a half a lap.
The swimmers could not believe that a woman who was older than some of their mothers beat them. There was a lot of clapping and cheering from her team mates.
If you are at the right meet, dont be an A swimmer in a B/C meet or vise versa, you pay your money, you get your ticket and you swim your race. Enjoy it.
michael
Suzanne broke the National / world record for her age group (it was an 18 flat). It would only count for a national record as World records have to be set at Masters meets.
