This could be a fun thing to take nationally - a 10 x 100 yard free relay where each swimmer is from a different age group. In this case, one from 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+.
Rinconada Masters of Palo Alto, CA, (one of the oldest Masters teams in the country) claimed the men's record back in 1982, I believe, with a time of 9:56.+ . Certainly an impressive time, demonstrating both team speed and depth, as the average time was under 1:00.
Just *this morning* Menlo Masters, of Menlo Park, CA challenged this unofficial record. At the end of this time trial the Menlo Masters team clobered the old time with a time of 9:35.52 ! I wish I was part of this team, but its quality was way up there, including several former college swimmers, national record holders, All Americans, and an Olympian (and one member of the original Rinconanda relay.) I think 7 or 8 of the swimmers were under 1:00.
While this was accomplished with what many who frequent this site would call a workout group, I would not want to discourage such teams as NEM from trying to match such an accomplishment.
I think such trans-age events are totally in the spirit of Masters swimming, not given the attention they deserve, and a lot of fun!
I was fortunate enough to witness this event on Saturday and I must say that this was one of the most inspiring swimming events I've ever seen. It was wonderful to see talented swimmers of many age groups swim together. (Although I must say that cheering nonstop for nine and a half minutes is hard on the voice.) :D
I was fortunate enough to witness this event on Saturday and I must say that this was one of the most inspiring swimming events I've ever seen. It was wonderful to see talented swimmers of many age groups swim together. (Although I must say that cheering nonstop for nine and a half minutes is hard on the voice.) :D