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.
Having competed at the recent National Senior Games for the second time, I take offense to the condemning of the better swimmers. I guess I would be considered one of the "elite" swimmers who participated in this event, and I know several of the others who competed in the 50, 55, and 60 age groups. I saw several of them at the Parade of Athletes as well as the party on the evening of the 4th, and we were dancing and enjoying ourselves as much as anyone. I have a few points to make regarding your comments:
1. Anyone qualified to participate in the National Senior Games has already won medals in their Local and State Games, so that argument doesn't hold water. The purpose of the Nationals is to bring together the BEST senior athletes of each state to compete for the title of the BEST in the world. (The NSGA is required to allow athletes from all over the world to compete in order to bill themselves as "The Senior Olympics" but perhaps that distinction should be transferred to the World Masters Games held every two years all over the world, a much more competitive venue than the NSG.)
2. Many of us elite swimmers regularly make USMS Top 10, but few of us ever made the real Olympics. Most make Top 10 but never win medals at USMS Nationals. I take great pride in my gold and silver medals in the Senior Olympics (they are easily the most beautiful medals I've ever won in any competition). If the NSGA wants to exclude the best athletes from this venue, perhaps they should change their name to something more descriptive, such as "The National Mediocre Athlete Games ." (That would effectively keep out the better swimmers.)
3. There are 17 other sports represented in the Games. The winning golfers and bowlers performed at a very high level, as did, I'm sure, the winners in other sports. I guess the organizers could allow only the last two finishers at the state competitions to enter the swimming; and they could limit the bowlers to those who average 120 or less, and golfers who shoot over 110, so the novices have a chance to win gold medals there, too. That would be ludicrous, of course, but that's exactly what you're proposing if you really want people to be able to win medals who don't get to otherwise!
I believe that winning medals is secondary to doing one's best, and there is no better way to encourage people to do their best than by having them compete against someone better than themselves. The real satisfaction is beating your personal goals, not winning medals. Don't quit! Remember, all you have to do is outlast your competition, and the medals will eventually be yours!
Lastly, I would encourage MORE Masters swimmers to compete in future Senior Olympics! It is much more fun than the USMS Nationals, and they have the best medals of ANY championships.
Having competed at the recent National Senior Games for the second time, I take offense to the condemning of the better swimmers. I guess I would be considered one of the "elite" swimmers who participated in this event, and I know several of the others who competed in the 50, 55, and 60 age groups. I saw several of them at the Parade of Athletes as well as the party on the evening of the 4th, and we were dancing and enjoying ourselves as much as anyone. I have a few points to make regarding your comments:
1. Anyone qualified to participate in the National Senior Games has already won medals in their Local and State Games, so that argument doesn't hold water. The purpose of the Nationals is to bring together the BEST senior athletes of each state to compete for the title of the BEST in the world. (The NSGA is required to allow athletes from all over the world to compete in order to bill themselves as "The Senior Olympics" but perhaps that distinction should be transferred to the World Masters Games held every two years all over the world, a much more competitive venue than the NSG.)
2. Many of us elite swimmers regularly make USMS Top 10, but few of us ever made the real Olympics. Most make Top 10 but never win medals at USMS Nationals. I take great pride in my gold and silver medals in the Senior Olympics (they are easily the most beautiful medals I've ever won in any competition). If the NSGA wants to exclude the best athletes from this venue, perhaps they should change their name to something more descriptive, such as "The National Mediocre Athlete Games ." (That would effectively keep out the better swimmers.)
3. There are 17 other sports represented in the Games. The winning golfers and bowlers performed at a very high level, as did, I'm sure, the winners in other sports. I guess the organizers could allow only the last two finishers at the state competitions to enter the swimming; and they could limit the bowlers to those who average 120 or less, and golfers who shoot over 110, so the novices have a chance to win gold medals there, too. That would be ludicrous, of course, but that's exactly what you're proposing if you really want people to be able to win medals who don't get to otherwise!
I believe that winning medals is secondary to doing one's best, and there is no better way to encourage people to do their best than by having them compete against someone better than themselves. The real satisfaction is beating your personal goals, not winning medals. Don't quit! Remember, all you have to do is outlast your competition, and the medals will eventually be yours!
Lastly, I would encourage MORE Masters swimmers to compete in future Senior Olympics! It is much more fun than the USMS Nationals, and they have the best medals of ANY championships.
