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
Masters are simply a group of normal people who have varying levels of enthusiasm for participation in swimming (like other SO participants). SOME of them are VERY enthusiastic about their swimming (like some other SO participants) and have, through their intense but amateur interest, become very good at the sport (like some other SO participants).
What I've seen happen often is "regular" SO participants becoming inspired by what they see some Masters swimmers accomplish at SO meets and OTHER "regular" SO participants get really pumped up when they turn in faster times than some of the not-so-fast Masters swimmers. If you ask around, you'll likely find some Masters swimmers in your area who got their first exposure to Masters through SO participation.
I can tell you that in SOME areas of the country the SO organizers are VERY interested in getting as many Masters swimmers involved as possible, even go so far as to seek out Masters people to promote and run the local and regional competitions.
Having been involved in several local SO operations I can tell you that, in many areas there is a STRONG interest in having the best competition possible, and luring as many competitors (including those at the highest levels) as possible in ALL events.
The notion that SO is not intended for participation by those who are good enough to win is, simply, wrong.
(And if I was a pick-up baseball player who had the opportunity to be on the same field WITH the Atlanta braves and actually get struck out by their pitchers and have them run past my base after knocking our stitches over the fence I'd be in hog heaven with my autograph book and have water cooler stories for days. Some people pay big bucks to fantasy camps for such opportunities.)
Masters are simply a group of normal people who have varying levels of enthusiasm for participation in swimming (like other SO participants). SOME of them are VERY enthusiastic about their swimming (like some other SO participants) and have, through their intense but amateur interest, become very good at the sport (like some other SO participants).
What I've seen happen often is "regular" SO participants becoming inspired by what they see some Masters swimmers accomplish at SO meets and OTHER "regular" SO participants get really pumped up when they turn in faster times than some of the not-so-fast Masters swimmers. If you ask around, you'll likely find some Masters swimmers in your area who got their first exposure to Masters through SO participation.
I can tell you that in SOME areas of the country the SO organizers are VERY interested in getting as many Masters swimmers involved as possible, even go so far as to seek out Masters people to promote and run the local and regional competitions.
Having been involved in several local SO operations I can tell you that, in many areas there is a STRONG interest in having the best competition possible, and luring as many competitors (including those at the highest levels) as possible in ALL events.
The notion that SO is not intended for participation by those who are good enough to win is, simply, wrong.
(And if I was a pick-up baseball player who had the opportunity to be on the same field WITH the Atlanta braves and actually get struck out by their pitchers and have them run past my base after knocking our stitches over the fence I'd be in hog heaven with my autograph book and have water cooler stories for days. Some people pay big bucks to fantasy camps for such opportunities.)
