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
Margaret,
I guess I'm still a bit puzzled. With all the things you have going for you with swimming and attending Sr. Olympics, why do you care so much where you finished? Sure, I like to win, but if the price of victory is excluding from the meet someone who is eligible and interested in competing, then the price is too high. I just don't understand how someone can believe that something is "her medal" (to qoute your first post) when someone else, who is eligible, swam a legal, legitimate time that was faster.
Minor point: If I wanted to, I could go to a trophy store, and buy myself a great, big one. Then I could have my own awards banquet, and give myself the First Annual Award to the person who best represents my ethics and values. And, it would be the sound of one hand clapping. If these inexpensive baubles we call "medals" have any meaning at all, that meaning is that you fairly beat all the other people who showed up. Monkey with that meaning, and you get the sound of one hand clapping.
Major point: don't get hung up over awards, especially if you are like me--a mediocre competitive swimmer. No one, not even a World Record Holder, has any guarantee about where they finish. Craig Beardsley was the World Record Holder in the 200 fly in 1980, but the U.S. boycotted those Olympics. In 1984 he didn't even make the U.S. Olympic Team. No matter how accomplished you are, in the most obscure of sports, TIASNFCWIJALBBTY (There Is Always Some Nut From California Who Is Just A Little Bit Better Than You). Appreciate all the other great things about swimming.
One last boring story about awards, then I'll shut-up. At 2001 LC Nationals, I placed (10th out of 10) in the 800 free, which pleased me greatly. At Nationals, everyone who swims gets a plaque, and if you place in the top 10, you get a small medal plate that has your place and event on it (gold for 1st, silver for 2nd...) I put my 800 free plate on it, and I also got similar plates engraved with my other events, and times. In contrast at 2002 LC Nationals, I did not place in any events, but I did get to swim on a relay with my father and my sister. On my plaque I mounted a photo of our relay team. THAT is how I chose to remember 2002 LCN's, and the 2002 plaque looks way cooler than the 2001.
Margaret,
I guess I'm still a bit puzzled. With all the things you have going for you with swimming and attending Sr. Olympics, why do you care so much where you finished? Sure, I like to win, but if the price of victory is excluding from the meet someone who is eligible and interested in competing, then the price is too high. I just don't understand how someone can believe that something is "her medal" (to qoute your first post) when someone else, who is eligible, swam a legal, legitimate time that was faster.
Minor point: If I wanted to, I could go to a trophy store, and buy myself a great, big one. Then I could have my own awards banquet, and give myself the First Annual Award to the person who best represents my ethics and values. And, it would be the sound of one hand clapping. If these inexpensive baubles we call "medals" have any meaning at all, that meaning is that you fairly beat all the other people who showed up. Monkey with that meaning, and you get the sound of one hand clapping.
Major point: don't get hung up over awards, especially if you are like me--a mediocre competitive swimmer. No one, not even a World Record Holder, has any guarantee about where they finish. Craig Beardsley was the World Record Holder in the 200 fly in 1980, but the U.S. boycotted those Olympics. In 1984 he didn't even make the U.S. Olympic Team. No matter how accomplished you are, in the most obscure of sports, TIASNFCWIJALBBTY (There Is Always Some Nut From California Who Is Just A Little Bit Better Than You). Appreciate all the other great things about swimming.
One last boring story about awards, then I'll shut-up. At 2001 LC Nationals, I placed (10th out of 10) in the 800 free, which pleased me greatly. At Nationals, everyone who swims gets a plaque, and if you place in the top 10, you get a small medal plate that has your place and event on it (gold for 1st, silver for 2nd...) I put my 800 free plate on it, and I also got similar plates engraved with my other events, and times. In contrast at 2002 LC Nationals, I did not place in any events, but I did get to swim on a relay with my father and my sister. On my plaque I mounted a photo of our relay team. THAT is how I chose to remember 2002 LCN's, and the 2002 plaque looks way cooler than the 2001.
