Is there really a division between masters swimmers? i.e. one camp allied to a more low key fitness oriented approach with low membership growth vs. a meet oriented competitive (elite) camp?
This sounds ridiculous to me. I don't think I've ever run into anyone that acknowledged this debate on a pool deck.
What spawns this rift in Masters swimming? Is this an old guard vs. younger member phenonmenon?
Are there different motivations that exist that create this conflict in terms of the future of USMS? Why can't both coexist?
I say we poll some people out there and find out what they support.
John Smith
Originally posted by knelson
I think doing away with the three event limit for those who haven't made the cuts and/or making the cuts themselves more difficult would only drive the wedge further between the elites and the non-elites in masters. I personally think it's pretty cool that anyone can swim at Nationals. It's a great experience whether you win all your events or finish dead last.
Actually as a turtle who swam at a Nationals, using my 3 events, I disagree. I don't understand why Nationals is not an all cut time event. Make the cuts slightly EASIER to make up for the 3 event thing, but to me, it should be somewhat of an elitest thing.
World cuts are easier than our National times. I am able to get World cuts, and that stokes me more than going to Nationals with 3 non cuts. If the cuts were a bit easier, there is a chance some of us turtles would go on our time merit.
As far as the elitist v non-elitist, personally I don't see it. Most swimmers, fast or slow are nice people, and don't put on airs.
Originally posted by knelson
I think doing away with the three event limit for those who haven't made the cuts and/or making the cuts themselves more difficult would only drive the wedge further between the elites and the non-elites in masters. I personally think it's pretty cool that anyone can swim at Nationals. It's a great experience whether you win all your events or finish dead last.
Actually as a turtle who swam at a Nationals, using my 3 events, I disagree. I don't understand why Nationals is not an all cut time event. Make the cuts slightly EASIER to make up for the 3 event thing, but to me, it should be somewhat of an elitest thing.
World cuts are easier than our National times. I am able to get World cuts, and that stokes me more than going to Nationals with 3 non cuts. If the cuts were a bit easier, there is a chance some of us turtles would go on our time merit.
As far as the elitist v non-elitist, personally I don't see it. Most swimmers, fast or slow are nice people, and don't put on airs.
