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.
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Margaret, thanks for bringing this issue up, I think there is some good fodder for introspection. 1. There are 3 "national" competitions - each being their own management body....YMCA, NSG and USMS. IMHO - YMCA and USMS overlap 100% and NSG in the 50 and over. At some point, we can join up as one (IMHO - we have the same philosphies - just not the same mgmgt people) or we can add 1 or 2 more to the organizations to the mix..(sarcastic). I am not proposing anything ..just pointing out our collective situation- yes it IS confusing the swimming populace... "there MUST be a difference, or we wouldn't have 3 different Nat's"? 2. Gosh darn it....I have been trying to build my team, my LMSC, and USMS over the past 10 years and it is just that kind of reaction that Margaret had - that have sometimes hampered my efforts. I would say to Margaret (as others have also stated), you saw some of the non-friendlies...I feel this is less than 1% of USMS - but a visiable 1%. I would like to apologize. Would like to change your mind about Masters - if you a traveling about, myself (Columbus, Ohio) or one of the other posters here might like to show you their team (we are all proud of our local workout groups). I would like to say to USMS (tongue in cheek) - how about some sensitivity/marketing training for our 'elite' - we have all this money to spend, right? - they are most visable ones and they really can make a positive impact on my ability to recruit and keep. New swimmers are easily awed by those who still can swim fast (I know, I still am) - a kind word would be a good service. The other side of the recruiting coin is the mystique that "masters" is for the elite (Margaret mentioned it) - maybe thats for another thread. Even though 80-90% (by my calcuations) of registered Master's swimmers don't compete. jack jack
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Margaret, thanks for bringing this issue up, I think there is some good fodder for introspection. 1. There are 3 "national" competitions - each being their own management body....YMCA, NSG and USMS. IMHO - YMCA and USMS overlap 100% and NSG in the 50 and over. At some point, we can join up as one (IMHO - we have the same philosphies - just not the same mgmgt people) or we can add 1 or 2 more to the organizations to the mix..(sarcastic). I am not proposing anything ..just pointing out our collective situation- yes it IS confusing the swimming populace... "there MUST be a difference, or we wouldn't have 3 different Nat's"? 2. Gosh darn it....I have been trying to build my team, my LMSC, and USMS over the past 10 years and it is just that kind of reaction that Margaret had - that have sometimes hampered my efforts. I would say to Margaret (as others have also stated), you saw some of the non-friendlies...I feel this is less than 1% of USMS - but a visiable 1%. I would like to apologize. Would like to change your mind about Masters - if you a traveling about, myself (Columbus, Ohio) or one of the other posters here might like to show you their team (we are all proud of our local workout groups). I would like to say to USMS (tongue in cheek) - how about some sensitivity/marketing training for our 'elite' - we have all this money to spend, right? - they are most visable ones and they really can make a positive impact on my ability to recruit and keep. New swimmers are easily awed by those who still can swim fast (I know, I still am) - a kind word would be a good service. The other side of the recruiting coin is the mystique that "masters" is for the elite (Margaret mentioned it) - maybe thats for another thread. Even though 80-90% (by my calcuations) of registered Master's swimmers don't compete. jack jack
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