I'm sorry. I've done a lot of open water swims in a lot of different places. I have never had a boatman try to hit me with an oar--I have been hit by paddles and I presumed it was an accident--and it was. You've mentioned swimming for money. I've swum in races where money has been at stake and with very few exceptions I've never had a chance to win it so I don't really have experience with racing to eat--like the old Lee Trevino quote that you don't know pressure until you are standing over a $10 putt with only $2 in your pocket. I haven't raced for the rent money so maybe I would react differently if I was.
I've been kicked, jumped on, elbowed, pushed, bumped, drafted from, scraped, fingernailed, hair pulled, goggles knocked off, tripped, been hit by paddles, kayaks, and hands, and threatened by boats, etc.--those don't happen every race or even every 5th race but I've probably done over 200 open water races and stuff accumulates over the years. Most of it was accidents, but some probably wasn't. I still don't take cheap shots at people in swims even when they might deserve it. I do get angry and upset and maybe will refuse to surrender a line but when you start intentionally trying to injure people, you need a different hobby.
The reason I have done some of these things is not just because they draft. They were trying to steal from me (prize money). These people grabbed my bathing suit, hit my arm on purpose. They tried to give me the works, and if you let them away with anything they do more. There are not many people around when it happens I was even attacked by another guys boatman, he tried to hit me with an oar. He ended up in the water and I pushed him underwater a few times.
George
Originally posted by beireland
I have done races where a swimmer drafting off me has hit me every stroke in the feet for a mile--annoying yes. I actually know the guy and he is a friend of mine. I try to lose him and whine afterwards but don't try to hurt him. I don't like it but I've never taken a cheap shot like was described here. I'm pretty competitive but you have to keep some sense of perspective.
If he is hitting your feet he is not drafting, he was just trying to annoy you. The good drafters do it just below your arm pit.
These guys were not my friends, if they had a chance and got hold of your food you where going to take you would not finish the race.
George
Originally posted by beireland
I still don't take cheap shots at people in swims even when they might deserve it. I do get angry and upset and maybe will refuse to surrender a line but when you start intentionally trying to injure people, you need a different hobby.
These were not cheap shots, they were told if they kept it up they would suffer the consequences if they persisted. I was always in the money and these guys tried to steal it. It did not happen often especially after they knew I did not like to be harrased.
I am a very gentle guy, fair and was always considered by many of the people I raced as a guy they could depend on for help. An Argentinian one time came up to me at the start and smeered vaseline on my eyes so my googles would not stay on. He wanted me out of the race... should I let him do this.
George
Originally posted by Fritz
George
How long ago did all this happen? Is it possible races are more regulated today?
I did the professional marathon circuit from 1963 to 1969. It was pretty good, I finished every race except three in the first six postions. Made a bit of dough.
George Park www.swimdownhill.com
I have no idea what the accepted practices were in marathon swimming 40 years ago . . . but as far as today's environment goes, Bill Ireland's comments are spot on.
Conrad Wennerberg has a good book out Wind Waves and Sunburn, A Brief History of Marathon Swimming. It tells some of the history.
Your right it is old stuff and what does it have to do with what goes on now.
George Park www.swimdownhill.com
I'm glad the days of gladiator swimming are a thing of 40 years past.
You haven’t seen the swim portion of a triathlon lately…Talk about contact sports, it looks like a rugby match for the first couple hundred meters.
Well, I did swim in a few open water races this summer and did get my fair share of kicking and hitting but none of it was malicious. Plus, as a pool swimmer, I just sprinted ahead of all that mayhem. There was no way I was gonna endure that for the whole race.
