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
Although I understand the frustration, I think it's unfair to single out Master's swimming for three reasons:
1) The charter of the National Seniors Games organization fully embraces seasoned competitors - no exclusionary level of ability or experience is mentioned.
2) Why should being in USMS somehow make us automatically unable to compete? For example, I have a very modest ability to swim distance feestyle, but because of that or my USMS membership card, does it mean that I shouldn't be able to compete in the NSGs in the backstroke? I assure you, I would be slugging it out for last place at the NSG in backstroke. Where/how does one draw a line?
3) Having come from Track & Field, I am quite familiar with the people competing in that sport. I looked over the list of T&F competitors and noticed many people who have been studmuffins for years. (Have a look at the 65-69 Men's 200 meter dash times) In two cases, at least, people had been in the Olympic Trials, if not the team, way back when. So, if having studmuffins competing is a problem, it's not just a swimming problem.
Suggestion: Why not join USMS and compete in some of the local meets? I think that you would find that most of the people involved are actually very supportive and friendly - not just the back-of-packers (e.g. me), but the studmuffins as well. Even the studs train with other people of various abilities and most appreciate how hard the unwashed masses have to work to do well. Please do join us!
Although I understand the frustration, I think it's unfair to single out Master's swimming for three reasons:
1) The charter of the National Seniors Games organization fully embraces seasoned competitors - no exclusionary level of ability or experience is mentioned.
2) Why should being in USMS somehow make us automatically unable to compete? For example, I have a very modest ability to swim distance feestyle, but because of that or my USMS membership card, does it mean that I shouldn't be able to compete in the NSGs in the backstroke? I assure you, I would be slugging it out for last place at the NSG in backstroke. Where/how does one draw a line?
3) Having come from Track & Field, I am quite familiar with the people competing in that sport. I looked over the list of T&F competitors and noticed many people who have been studmuffins for years. (Have a look at the 65-69 Men's 200 meter dash times) In two cases, at least, people had been in the Olympic Trials, if not the team, way back when. So, if having studmuffins competing is a problem, it's not just a swimming problem.
Suggestion: Why not join USMS and compete in some of the local meets? I think that you would find that most of the people involved are actually very supportive and friendly - not just the back-of-packers (e.g. me), but the studmuffins as well. Even the studs train with other people of various abilities and most appreciate how hard the unwashed masses have to work to do well. Please do join us!
