National Senior Games

Former Member
Former Member
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.
Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Margaret, Let me try to get in a gentle response before someone flames you. I would, however, suggest to you that your expectations are misplaced. Why do you swim? If someone where to ask me that question, I would talk about the soaring majesty of the Coronado Bay Bridge and the sense of awe I felt as I swam through its shadow. I would talk about the last 50 meters of some of my best 400 free races, the sense that I had paced it just right, and the feeling that this truly is my best event because I felt like I had used all of me to do what I was doing. I would talk about the profound sense of satisfaction as I watched one of the kids I coached complete a fly race, without getting DQ'ed, and afterwards asking to swim it again at the next meet. I'd mention the crowds of wonderful people I'd met, the bond I shared with some of them as teammates )that comes with all the facades slipping away as everyone strains to do that 7th out of 8 repeats of 200 at 5:53 am). I'd talk about the times I shared with them organizing meets or open water swims, and I'd mention the fact that I feel the loss of their passing more keenly than that of some of my distant relatives. I'd talk about the intense feeling of freedom that comes with that first, well-rested 25 yards of fly that feels like I could do this forever. I would tell you about swimming on a relay at 2001 Nationals with a father/daughter duo, and then swimming on a relay at 2002 Nationals with my own father and sister. I'd mention the increasing sense of accomplishment as a youngster when I first went under 30.0 for a 50, then 1:00 for a 100, then 2:00 for the 200. Would I talk about those few (very few) bronze medals from High School Districts, College Conferences, or Masters Pan-Pac Championships? Sure, but they are a small fraction of why I swim. I would gently suggest to you that if you are swimming because you can go to a meet you have become accustomed to attending, and because they hang a gold medal around your neck for showing-up, then you have only scratched the surface of the big, wide wonderful world that is competitive swimming. One more boring story, then I'll shut-up. When I was in college I met Cynthia Woodhead (the then World Record Holder in the 200m free) and chatted with her for a bit. I asked her how she felt about missing the 1980 Olympics because of the U.S. boycott. She said that although she was disappointed, she got into swimming and stayed with it for a lot more reasons than just one swim meet. I figure that if a World Record Holder who was denied the chance to properly contend for the title of Olympic Champion can still keep her whole career in perspective that well, then all the rest of us should be able to appreciate how fortunate we are simply to practice our sport, and not get hung up on winning and losing. "My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings: Look upon my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Matt
Reply
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Margaret, Let me try to get in a gentle response before someone flames you. I would, however, suggest to you that your expectations are misplaced. Why do you swim? If someone where to ask me that question, I would talk about the soaring majesty of the Coronado Bay Bridge and the sense of awe I felt as I swam through its shadow. I would talk about the last 50 meters of some of my best 400 free races, the sense that I had paced it just right, and the feeling that this truly is my best event because I felt like I had used all of me to do what I was doing. I would talk about the profound sense of satisfaction as I watched one of the kids I coached complete a fly race, without getting DQ'ed, and afterwards asking to swim it again at the next meet. I'd mention the crowds of wonderful people I'd met, the bond I shared with some of them as teammates )that comes with all the facades slipping away as everyone strains to do that 7th out of 8 repeats of 200 at 5:53 am). I'd talk about the times I shared with them organizing meets or open water swims, and I'd mention the fact that I feel the loss of their passing more keenly than that of some of my distant relatives. I'd talk about the intense feeling of freedom that comes with that first, well-rested 25 yards of fly that feels like I could do this forever. I would tell you about swimming on a relay at 2001 Nationals with a father/daughter duo, and then swimming on a relay at 2002 Nationals with my own father and sister. I'd mention the increasing sense of accomplishment as a youngster when I first went under 30.0 for a 50, then 1:00 for a 100, then 2:00 for the 200. Would I talk about those few (very few) bronze medals from High School Districts, College Conferences, or Masters Pan-Pac Championships? Sure, but they are a small fraction of why I swim. I would gently suggest to you that if you are swimming because you can go to a meet you have become accustomed to attending, and because they hang a gold medal around your neck for showing-up, then you have only scratched the surface of the big, wide wonderful world that is competitive swimming. One more boring story, then I'll shut-up. When I was in college I met Cynthia Woodhead (the then World Record Holder in the 200m free) and chatted with her for a bit. I asked her how she felt about missing the 1980 Olympics because of the U.S. boycott. She said that although she was disappointed, she got into swimming and stayed with it for a lot more reasons than just one swim meet. I figure that if a World Record Holder who was denied the chance to properly contend for the title of Olympic Champion can still keep her whole career in perspective that well, then all the rest of us should be able to appreciate how fortunate we are simply to practice our sport, and not get hung up on winning and losing. "My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings: Look upon my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Matt
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