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
Swim2sea,
I am sorry that you had a negative experience with some members of the USMS swimming community. Hopefully from those individuals posting messages here and your personal experiences with your friend that you'll be able to see not all USMS swimmers have the same mentality as those from the NSG (referring to the 'warriors'). To me it seems a bit off track to be biased because someone is a USMS member, has a top ten time or swims with a team or has a coach. From some of my experiences it would be like me complaining about a triathlete who is faster than me because he has a better bike or better running shoes - go with what you got and do your best. I can understand the feeling of being shorted by having these competitors come in and steal your (anyones for that matter) moment in the sun. Maybe that recogntion can come at a different time other than the awards podium (excuse my ignorance on the conduct of the meet if they did this) but maybe they could do something similiar to the Olympics / BIG swim meets where the competitors are marched out and introduced lane by lane as they get ready for their event (of course this would create a longer meet).
I do see a probelm with the exclusion of a swimmer if they have a top ten time. First off do you exclude the swimmer for only those events or for the whole meet if they have a top ten time? What about relays (I have been on relays even a #1 relay - yet I personally have never had an individual top ten time)? Then the last one, what happens if I have a top ten time because I have outlasted most of my competitors ? - say I'm 110 yrs old am I excluded because I am the only competitor so anything I swim is a top ten time. These are some tough questions to answer, which frankly I don't have an easy solution, the fact is in competition there is a winner and a loser (unless of course everyone ties). Happy swimming.
Jeff
Swim2sea,
I am sorry that you had a negative experience with some members of the USMS swimming community. Hopefully from those individuals posting messages here and your personal experiences with your friend that you'll be able to see not all USMS swimmers have the same mentality as those from the NSG (referring to the 'warriors'). To me it seems a bit off track to be biased because someone is a USMS member, has a top ten time or swims with a team or has a coach. From some of my experiences it would be like me complaining about a triathlete who is faster than me because he has a better bike or better running shoes - go with what you got and do your best. I can understand the feeling of being shorted by having these competitors come in and steal your (anyones for that matter) moment in the sun. Maybe that recogntion can come at a different time other than the awards podium (excuse my ignorance on the conduct of the meet if they did this) but maybe they could do something similiar to the Olympics / BIG swim meets where the competitors are marched out and introduced lane by lane as they get ready for their event (of course this would create a longer meet).
I do see a probelm with the exclusion of a swimmer if they have a top ten time. First off do you exclude the swimmer for only those events or for the whole meet if they have a top ten time? What about relays (I have been on relays even a #1 relay - yet I personally have never had an individual top ten time)? Then the last one, what happens if I have a top ten time because I have outlasted most of my competitors ? - say I'm 110 yrs old am I excluded because I am the only competitor so anything I swim is a top ten time. These are some tough questions to answer, which frankly I don't have an easy solution, the fact is in competition there is a winner and a loser (unless of course everyone ties). Happy swimming.
Jeff
