Old national caliber swimmers that never come back
Former Member
Interesting and unfortunate that the vast majority of ex swimmers that made finals at NCAAs or Nationals when they were younger (or even just cuts) do not now participate in Masters Swimming. Only a small handful of these people come to Masters Nationals each year within each age group.
What a good opportunity USMS presents to see old faces and have a good time. I think USMS would benefit tremendously from their knowledge of the sport.
John Smith
I had a swimmer who swam at one of the top D-1 programs recently tell my wife that if he ever saw a pool again, it would be way too soon. There were lots of expletives mentioned about swimming as well.
most of the ones in austin never want to go near a pool again unless there's an umbrella drink or something cold and intoxicating in their hands.
maybe they'll get back in the pool when they gain more weight or injuries force them to the conclusion that swimming is the only sensible way to stay in shape. Then maybe when they transition from pitiful to decent, they'll don a speedo and enter a meet.
If some really great people get back into it
they'll make it tough on us also rans.
HOW TO GET THEM:
peer pressure sometimes works
stupid bets with alcohol prizes are extremely effective
black mail could work, those with recollections (although fuzzy), photos, and video could "encourage" others
The GREATS need a reason, a great place, dates, and plenty of time to prepare.
Maybe a reality show in the same vein as celebrity boxing matches might be interesting
Hmmm,
Ande
Originally posted by TheGoodSmith
Interesting and unfortunate that the vast majority of ex swimmers that made finals at NCAAs or Nationals when they were younger (or even just cuts) do not now participate in Masters Swimming. Only a small handful of these people come to Masters Nationals each year within each age group.
What a good opportunity USMS presents to see old faces and have a good time. I think USMS would benefit tremendously from their knowledge of the sport.
John Smith
I'm not sure that I want too many NCAA champs back in the water but then again I do like it when a small Division III swimmer, like myself, beats a former Big 10 (or similar) swimmer. Don't get me wrong....I don't let it be known. But... it does give me a little giggle inside.
Originally posted by waves101
beats a former Big 10 (or similar) swimmer.
When did the Big 10 start swimming programs? And, just because UM has Phelps as a training buddy doesn't mean they count.
The South rules.
Bobby Hackett was our high school team captain back in the late seventies. And after his four years at Harvard he threw in the towel.
It would be interesting to see what he could do if ever the urge to compete again resurfaced. 47 years old is still relatively young considering that most masters keep going well into their seventies. (There's nothing more inspirational than watching a ninety year old doing butterfly.)
A Goodell/Hackett race would be most interesting.
I knew someone would bring up Indiana and that was an oversight on my part. However, it is a fact that serious swimming talent today stays below the Mason Dixon line, as do most people who desire less than 11.5 months of winter a year.
Originally posted by 330man
But then all of the second rate swimmers could never win an event. :)
I choose to believe that the reason they don't come is because they're afraid us less experienced swimmers will beat them! :p
Bob
