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.
I understand a little about what SwimSea is talking about. I'm about 15 plus seconds off of my 100 yard swims in many strokes and the casual lap swimmer women over 40 years old, I can beat fairly easily. I placed only 68 out of 90 swimmers in the 50 yard breaststoke in the United States in the 45 to 49 age group. Now, if I was 50 years old, I could easily beat other 50 to 54 year olds that swim casually at the senior olympics level. So, top 10 swimmers in the older age groups at masters can usually beat people that practice 2 or 3 times a week under 2,000 yerds.
Maybe I am missing the point to this thread but I really do not understand what all the fuss is about. Masters and Senior swimming is supposed to be fun and challenging to the beginner swimmer to the intermediate swimmers. If a master uss swimmer competes in the Senior meets, whats the big deal, they meet the requirement of the age bracket.
Swimming is not only a team sport but also an individual sport. I myself, could care less if I get a medal or not. If I finish last in my event but achieve my personal best times, I'm thrilled. Other swimmers are there to push you in the pool, but essentially you are racing against the clock.
I just think if your in swimming for medals that is the wrong thinking and attitude. It should be for fun, exercise, friendships built and the competetion, but most importantly the personal gratification one gets from swimming regardless of their swimming ability.
Greg
Bert, your conclusions are right on - but ONLY if your unstated assumption is correct: That the individual actually wishes to improve. Some people do not want to improve but simply wish to participate. Of course, one would think that such people would not be trying for place medals but, rather, would be fully satisfied with participation awards.
One of the reasons for A, B, and C meets is to reduce the number of swimmers at each meet for time management purposes. Another is to motivate young swimmers to compete for first place and keep them interested. The local Senior Games are usually small enough that this is accomplished. Many novice swimmers medalled at the Florida State Senior Games Championship meet, as well. The point is that if they want to bill themselves as the official "Senior Olympics," with IOC permission, they certainly want the top swimmers there. The only reason there aren't more top level swimmers is because of the ridiculous qualifying requirements to attend (you have to choose your specific events 6-10 months in advance at your State Games).
BTW, novice masters swimmers CAN compete in "C" U.S.S. meets by registering with U.S.S. If they beat the "B" time standards, they will have to move up to "B" level. I competed (at age 51) at a "B" meet, and, believe me, it's a very humbling experience when a twelve year old who comes up to your chest runs you down the last 50 of a 100 meter race!
It's a natural progression tool used by U.S. Swimming. The idea is that newer, slower swimmers will compete as a group with others of similar abilities. Time standards are used. The idea is to improve and progress through the various groups. It works very well in kid swimming because of the large numbers of competitors. Probably will be used in Masters one day as we continue to expand.
OH.... so there is a belief that swimmers of different ability levels shouldn't compete against each other! Why not? Hummmm, I'm a little bit confused now!
There is no "belief" involved here at all. There is an attempt to give varying skill levels the opportunity to compete with others of similar abilities.
As an example, in Masters we segregate swimmers by age and sex. No attempt is made, at least at present, to stratify by skill level.
