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
I hope nobody makes you out to be a bad guy in this. You clearly are bothered by your experience and have right to express your feelings.
I read two things from your posts. I'm reading between the lines a little and hope I didn't get it wrong.
1) Your perception is that some Masters swimmers showed some boorish behavior. I think it's unfortunate that people treat others poorly. Being faster or "better" doesn't give people that right. It happens at Masters meets as well. I doubt that Masters swimmers have a monopoly on poor behavior though. Take all masters swimmers out of the meet and someone is still going to be dominant and I'll bet someone will eventually treat people badly, if it hasn't happened already. If these swimmers had showed better behavior would their speed have still mattered to you?
2) Some Masters swimmers simply don't belong at the meet. I added "Some" because I don't think your objecting to all Masters swimmers. If you are objecting to all then I'd say you may have a skewed perception of all Masters swimmers. I checked the results and saw a number of names from my LMSC that are not "elite" and they would probably describe themselves as recreational or fitness swimmers. Some of them swim without coaches and teams and most llikely swim no more than you. Some placed fairly high and some didn't place at all. Telling them they can't swim because they have other opportunities just seems wrong to me. Most of these swimmers will never go to the national meets you mentioned. Some don't even go to the state level meets. They only real difference between them and you is they paid the Masters registration fee.
If you can figure out a way of dealing with bad behavior then I hope you can share it with all organizations. I personally have my doubts about being able to put rules around what constitutes poor sportsmanship. Power to you if you figure out a way.
You're also faced with figuring out how to determine when someone is too good to compete at the Senior Games. That's going to be a challenge. If someone isn't a Masters swimmer but they are really fast should they not be allowed to compete? Someone is always going to win and if there are more than 3 people in an event then someone isn't going to get a medal. Regardless of who is 4th they may think the person in 1st is too fast and shouldn't be there. I don't know what to do about that.
I wish you luck with what you need to do and hope your future experiences are better. I hope you also realize that you can't lump all masters swimmers into the same group.
I hope nobody makes you out to be a bad guy in this. You clearly are bothered by your experience and have right to express your feelings.
I read two things from your posts. I'm reading between the lines a little and hope I didn't get it wrong.
1) Your perception is that some Masters swimmers showed some boorish behavior. I think it's unfortunate that people treat others poorly. Being faster or "better" doesn't give people that right. It happens at Masters meets as well. I doubt that Masters swimmers have a monopoly on poor behavior though. Take all masters swimmers out of the meet and someone is still going to be dominant and I'll bet someone will eventually treat people badly, if it hasn't happened already. If these swimmers had showed better behavior would their speed have still mattered to you?
2) Some Masters swimmers simply don't belong at the meet. I added "Some" because I don't think your objecting to all Masters swimmers. If you are objecting to all then I'd say you may have a skewed perception of all Masters swimmers. I checked the results and saw a number of names from my LMSC that are not "elite" and they would probably describe themselves as recreational or fitness swimmers. Some of them swim without coaches and teams and most llikely swim no more than you. Some placed fairly high and some didn't place at all. Telling them they can't swim because they have other opportunities just seems wrong to me. Most of these swimmers will never go to the national meets you mentioned. Some don't even go to the state level meets. They only real difference between them and you is they paid the Masters registration fee.
If you can figure out a way of dealing with bad behavior then I hope you can share it with all organizations. I personally have my doubts about being able to put rules around what constitutes poor sportsmanship. Power to you if you figure out a way.
You're also faced with figuring out how to determine when someone is too good to compete at the Senior Games. That's going to be a challenge. If someone isn't a Masters swimmer but they are really fast should they not be allowed to compete? Someone is always going to win and if there are more than 3 people in an event then someone isn't going to get a medal. Regardless of who is 4th they may think the person in 1st is too fast and shouldn't be there. I don't know what to do about that.
I wish you luck with what you need to do and hope your future experiences are better. I hope you also realize that you can't lump all masters swimmers into the same group.
