I just competed (and I use the term loosely) in the 2003 National Senior Games and found it very disappointing to see that Master swimmers have pretty much taken over the awards platform. This event used to be mainly for recreational athletes who either could not or did not want to compete at a higher level. This was our opportunity to have a moment in the spotlight by competing against athletes who were “equal” to our level of skill. Our moment to believe we were the best in our group and to share our victories with our friends.
By coming to this event, you (the Master swimmers) have assured that no one who is a recreational athlete will ever get a medal and you have pushed the minimum standard time so low that many athletes no longer qualify to even come to the National event. In talking with over 85 athletes of various ages, it was generally agreed that within the next few years, this will be “just another Master’s venue”. You already have four National Events EACH YEAR, the SC Yards, SC Meters, LC Meters, and the YMCA Nationals. Why can’t you leave ONE event that takes places every OTHER year for the swimmers who will never be at any of your meets? Out of the 85 swimmers I spoke with, an overwhelming percent said they would probably not go to the event in Pittsburgh, PA since there would probably be more Masters there and no place for them.
I realize that this event is open to all seniors, but I ask you, how would you feel to have your only chance to win a medal taken away by someone who probably has a box full of them? If you look at the times, you will see that that the top three places in nearly all events went to Masters who all hold top 10 times in USMS. So the athletes, who are not Masters, had to settle for ribbons. There were so many disappointed families, friends, and swimmers who had hoped to win a medal and stand on the awards platform and share their shining moment with their families. Instead it was Masters and the majority of them didn’t even bring families. It was “just another meet” for them.
I’m sure I’m going to be made the “bad guy” by writing this, but my mother is 83 years old and watched her medal go to a Master swimmer and my heart broke for her. She may not be here for any future games and she really worked hard to do well, then you guys showed up. Please, leave the recreational National Event for us and be happy with your four events each year.
Margaret,
Sorry that you were disappointed by the competition at the National Championships for Senior Games.
The mission and vision of Masters swimming has never been to be an elite organization of superior swimmers. In fact the USMS mission “To promote fitness and health in adults by offering and supporting Masters swimming programs.” Is very much in line with the NSGA mission “…Through its programs, the NSGA assists active adults in achieving greater value and quality in their lives by staying healthy, active and fit.”
Many of our members are recreational athletes, with only about 6% competing at one of our two national championship pool events. Our primary goal is “To encourage and promote improved physical fitness and health in adults.”, which again is very much in line with the NSGA vision. So please keep in mind that only a very few of the Masters swimmers fall into the elite category, most of us are in it for the fellowship and camaraderie of like minded adults.
As for the disappointment of athletes, family and friends who settled for ribbons instead of medals, once again I’m sorry to read that you and others were not able to achieve this goal. I know that the medals are an important motivator to a number of swimmers, in some cases so important that the swimmer fails to recognize and appreciate the accomplishment of having a good time or just finishing the race. I know, because I used to focus more on winning then on competing and was often disappointed with personal best times that weren’t medal winners. I now try to cherish the journey as much as the destination and look at swimming based on was I happy with my swim not did I win.
But, back to your thread. If you feel that Masters should not attend the Senior Games you should take this up with the National Senior Games Association. I’d be interested to hear what they have to say about this.
Margaret,
Sorry that you were disappointed by the competition at the National Championships for Senior Games.
The mission and vision of Masters swimming has never been to be an elite organization of superior swimmers. In fact the USMS mission “To promote fitness and health in adults by offering and supporting Masters swimming programs.” Is very much in line with the NSGA mission “…Through its programs, the NSGA assists active adults in achieving greater value and quality in their lives by staying healthy, active and fit.”
Many of our members are recreational athletes, with only about 6% competing at one of our two national championship pool events. Our primary goal is “To encourage and promote improved physical fitness and health in adults.”, which again is very much in line with the NSGA vision. So please keep in mind that only a very few of the Masters swimmers fall into the elite category, most of us are in it for the fellowship and camaraderie of like minded adults.
As for the disappointment of athletes, family and friends who settled for ribbons instead of medals, once again I’m sorry to read that you and others were not able to achieve this goal. I know that the medals are an important motivator to a number of swimmers, in some cases so important that the swimmer fails to recognize and appreciate the accomplishment of having a good time or just finishing the race. I know, because I used to focus more on winning then on competing and was often disappointed with personal best times that weren’t medal winners. I now try to cherish the journey as much as the destination and look at swimming based on was I happy with my swim not did I win.
But, back to your thread. If you feel that Masters should not attend the Senior Games you should take this up with the National Senior Games Association. I’d be interested to hear what they have to say about this.
