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
Parents
Former Member
I appreciate this (recently) healthy discussion.
I have to make a point regarding the statement "Nationals and optimal conditions for fast swimming: that is one value, but there are lots of others in USMS." I agree there are other values (like getting lots of people involved), but I don't think they are or should be in competition with what I take as a given, that if you are putting on a swim meet and timing the races, you want to optimize the conditions for fast swimming.
There are a number of levels of swimming that I don't and never have qualified for, to preserve optimal conditions for better athletes, and I don't feel put out. I'll cross that bridge regarding USMS nationals if/when I get to it.
I appreciate this (recently) healthy discussion.
I have to make a point regarding the statement "Nationals and optimal conditions for fast swimming: that is one value, but there are lots of others in USMS." I agree there are other values (like getting lots of people involved), but I don't think they are or should be in competition with what I take as a given, that if you are putting on a swim meet and timing the races, you want to optimize the conditions for fast swimming.
There are a number of levels of swimming that I don't and never have qualified for, to preserve optimal conditions for better athletes, and I don't feel put out. I'll cross that bridge regarding USMS nationals if/when I get to it.
