Enjoyed the articles about us ordinary people

Craig Wrote: “Critiquing the content of SWIM should not be interpreted as an attack on USMS as an organization, nor as a sign of disrespect toward its members. The magazine does however proclaim itself "the world's foremost authority on adult swimming." I have read it for many years, usually find something of interest, and will continue to do so. But it is what it is.” Craig, you are correct in your statement above. Having said that, my post was directed toward Ion’s attack on the moral character of the editors of SWIM Magazine and his general caustic remarks regarding everything from A to Z and everywhere in between within these posts. I attempted to keep clear of attacking Ion. I believe he is very bright, determined and fierce in the pursuit of his goals. I admire his commitment to fitness and the tremendous courage he exhibited in getting to this country. I admire his determination and grit by having to sleep in his car in Canada when he was so poor he could not afford proper housing while he pursued his immigration to the United States. I have attempted to look for the good and positive things that Ion brings to any table he chooses to sit at. Ion has many admirable character traits and positive things that could benefit many within USMS. I simply attempted to get Ion to see the forest through the trees by looking more toward the positive aspects of our sport and by paying closer attention to his interaction with his fellow swimmers. Gosh, many posts have attempted to reach out in a kind, decent manner to help him understand that he does not need to wander about in the field of fire to make his point or further his thoughts process. In short, the hostility and perceived injustices he writes about do not exist and it causes him problems in his interaction with others by fueling a fire that simply is not burning.

No and's, if's or but's about it. Bravo, Tom! Bravo! No apologies needed for "ramblings" ... they are hardly that. Your commentary is quite "on the mark."

Ion, Your personal story might have made a good piece in the SWIM magazine except for a few things. First off almost everyone now knows your personal story (so nothing new there - would just be a rehash of old news). Secondly your demeanor has probably alienated a lot of readers (my opinion - could be wrong) - it appears most people like to read about someone who has overcome adversity with some humility (once again my opinion). Tom has given some very sound advice - and true it is easier to tear down than build up. Instead of critizing the content of SWIM magazine (paraphrasing : nothing useful in the content for someone who wants to be competitive) why not try and critique more (suggesting a Q/A section and have guest coaches answer questions - How much yardage should I be doing ? How long should I taper for ? How much recovery time should I have between hard/big meets ? How many meets should I swim in a year ? or even more specific profiles about swimmers, the 'fluff is okay but more in depth of what are your favorite sets, what's your favorite pre-race meal, what type of music do you like, best race, proudest achievement, etc - ). Both send the same message (Would like to see some different content in the magazine), the only difference is one is negative and destructive while the other is somewhat positive and constructive and has less of a chance of making people defensive.

Ion, there are many people out there and decisions are chosen about what to include. Many of us have other interests that would be interesting or hobbies. Matt Shirley like Miltary history. I have interest in different periods of time and know more than the average person about the late Republic of Rome. Some people like to play golf or sew.

This post from August 31st.: Originally posted by Ion Beza ... .) what about who Fritz Lehman (new world record holder in 100 meter back, in men 45 to 49), Bill Specht, Tom McCabe, Andreas Seibt, Barbara Dunbar, Paul Smith, Jim Thornton, Rich Abrahams are? I know them better than Swim magazine does, with the exception of Rich maybe; I re-peat: I know them better than Swim magazine does; how are they training (I know better than Swim magazine about how Tom McCabe -a tough sprinter- tapers, he wrote me a technical e-mail on this, and gee, it doesn't look like a Swim magazine fluffy article), how are they living and working, how are their families and how is their support, is that worth ignoring by Swim magazine, too? it was last summer, in July, before the 2002 Long Course Nationals, that in a thread in this forum it appeared that a bigger emphasis on performances by adults and supporting this with TV exposure of the Masters Nationals, and with an in-depth interest in performers' lifes by Swim magazine -including sponsorships-, is needed; ... is addressed by Craig here: Originally posted by gull80 The point is that SWIM magazine does not cater to those Masters swimmers primarily interested in competing. That's not to say it's a poor publication nor does it mean that there are never any relevant articles for the older competitive swimmer. Yes, such information can be found elsewhere, but again the material may not be applicable to older swimmers. ... The type of magazine Ion is looking for, if I understand him correctly, doesn't exist. I agree that Swim magazine does not cater to those Masters swimmers primarily interested in competing, but pretends hard to do it. Cross information from Swimming World and Swimming Technique (or like Margot here points out, re-cycled information from Swimming Technique into the Swim magazine) is to be distilled by the adult swimmer alone, because there is no sincere magazine about the Masters swimmers primarily interested in competing, including about starters in swimming well into adulthood who improve.

I had my right artificial hip replaced last Monday the 25th of Aug. here at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, KY. I am currently recovering at the Frazier Rehabilitation facility on the Jewish Hospital campus. Although I am in serious pain and under the influence of pain medications, I could not let Ion’s writings go past without comment. Early today, I received a phone call from a USMS friend telling me of this thread, which prompted me to ask one of my co-workers to bring my lap top computer to the hospital. After reading these posts I found myself dealing with a multitude of thoughts and emotions. Some of the posts have been heart felt because I witnessed real, sincere decency within the people attempting to give Ion positive feedback and help guide him and understand the impact his writings has upon the readers of these posts. I also felt anger, shame, hostility, pity, humor and lastly, indignation from his writings. This past year I learned some very painful and life changing lessons that will guide me in my response. I am MANY of the things or types Masters Swimmers we speak of in this post. In years past I swam for both fitness and competition. I am a proud man in that I know that I have been richly blessed to have swam 7 TOP TEN USMS times and, won three or four serious offshore ocean races. Yet, the pride that I speak of here has nothing to do with swimming TOP TEN TIMES or winning ocean races. It has to do with pride found in walking into an Arena I chose to walk into and compete within, with many remarkable and inspiring people/swimmers. People/swimmers who took pride in uplifting the over weight swimmers who came to our pool during the nameless morning workouts over the years, who we all knew were now taking that grand step to getting in shape and gaining better control of their bodies. We embraced them and encouraged them because we all knew we were witnessing the essence of USMS because these people were using OUR Arena to better their lives which ultimately betters the lives of their children and loved ones. I have met USMS swimmers that brought tears to my eyes just being themselves and allowing me to witness greatness up close and personal. Men like Graham Johnston who looked at me with total peace on his face while riding out to Alcatraz Island to swim the Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim in 97. Here before me sat a man who had devoted his entire life to swimming and in his mid 60’s in cold water demonstrated no fear or outward nervousness. Yet, I knew Graham understood the brutal shock we were about to get as we jumped off the Ferry Boat at Alcatraz Island into very cold water. His peace and lack of outward fear demonstrated courage and leadership because he knew many of the swimmers from North Texas who were on that Ferry Boat had never felt the shock they were about to receive. I remember meeting the great Dorothy Donnlley at a SCY Nationals during the last years of her life. We talked about artificial hips and swimming and how USMS swimming gave us an opportunity to keep fit around some very remarkable people. I was in awe of her gentle manner and vivid understanding of our sport and the positive impact it has on so many families and lives. I remember writing a man who beat the tar out of me during my first National event in Fort Lauderdale in 95. I watched him swim a very, very fast mile and asked him later in the day what his swimming history was. He took his time and explained his training regiment to me and then asked me about myself. He warmed my heart when he told me he had watched MY MILE because he saw my physical limitations with my right back side missing and wanted to see how I did. Here was a great USMS that watched some half assed guy from Texas swim the mile, and he had never met me before that day. I have read articles of supreme inspiration in SWIM Magazine. And yes, I have read a few articles I thought were dorky or out of place. But, boring for me may have been another Masters Swimmers area of interest and inspiration. Also, let us keep in mind how difficult it must be for the editors of Swim Magazine to publish a periodical that serves the interests of such a diverse group of people/swimmers who were born anywhere from the early 1900’s to the early 1980’. Heck, I may not agree with all the things I read, but I sure as heck am impressed and thankful for a great magazine. Let us read our foundation of premise for USMS: “United States Masters Swimming (USMS) is an organization of sportswomen and sportsmen founded in 1970 and dedicated to the premise that the lives of participants will be enhanced through aquatic physical conditioning. USMS supports and encourages competitions among its members” To enhance does not mean to tear down and undermine the USMS organization to further our own selfish interests or agendas, or provide us with a venue to feed our egos. We are a great organization comprised by many diverse people/swimmers with many different and divergent thoughts and beliefs. I think it is time we stop hammering on the foundations of our sport to further our misguided need or want of adoration or attention. Be positive Ion, and you will find the USMS organization that thousands of us have come to love and support. I know the decency, kindness and caring within our sport, first hand, up front and personal. Last year when I hovered at the very brink of destruction you (Ion) along with hundreds of USMS swimmers I never met and may never meet came to my side in private e-mails, cards and letters of Prayer, encouragement and uplifting. Go back and visit those thoughts and feelings for they are the thoughts and feelings that will make you (Ion) as great as United States Maters Swimming. I remember a Dillon Thomas writing that once said, “One mans ceiling was another mans floor.” That is true here as well….for we each seek and strive for different goals, wants, needs and successes. Their is greatness all around you ION, all you have to do to see, feel and witness it, is read the kind posts within this thread that are directed and written to help you see a light that many of us realize you do not see! Lastly,please forgive my ramblings, I blame it 100% ON THE MEDICATION…. :)

Ion, I like your list post. That's the way to handle your point, and I wish it was up last week. Thanks for showing us some promise. -c j

For all of you that feel compelled at one point to let Ion know what a jerk he is being to you and then in your next post fall all over yourself apologizing, you are wasting your time. Take a look at previous threads on this forum that go over about 5 pages. Every single one starts as a legit topic and quicly turns into another Ion related thread, where he criticizes and mocks others and then proceeds to tell his life story again and again and again. This thread started as a good natured way to compliment SWIM magazine and is now a farsical look into Ion again.

Having lived in several other countries I believe Peter's point is a valid one and may be the source of some of the problems we (the other posters) are having with him. Ion may also be working in an environment where strong debate and attacks on one's position are the norm. Until I realized that the 'attacks' were not truely personal, but part of intellectual debate that serves to train free thinking and to break through long standing barriers to progress, I had a hard time adjusting to life in graduate school. However, at the risk of using a tired trite phrase... when in Rome... Ion would do well to heed that. The ability to adapt one's behavior, when and where it needs to be, to meet the demands of the environmemt is the mark of a well functioning individual. I would also like to apologize to this board and Ion for posting several harsh messages. I always strive to say what I mean, but to say it in a way that is neither sugar coated nor mean. However, at times, the cold hard truth, stated bluntly, is the only way to get through.

Originally posted by Ion Beza August 2002, Bill Volckening and myself we spoke about an article, he promised to do it and took pictures of me. He broke his promise, without my permission: never heard of his promise, again. Is that what this is all about? Ion feels jilted by the magazine, so he took a good part of seven pages on this forum to trash it? That sounds a lot like sour gr-- sa(*^DAS oi**+#@