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
My thought on nationals is that it is pretty cool that pretty much any USMS swimmer can go - and is something I know I mention every time I try to recruit folks to come (or just get into the pool).
For all of us who never got the chance to qualify for a national meet as a kid, now, we can go to the national meet whenever we want just because we can. I think that is pretty cool. Now, I do make NQTs, and do quite alright for myself as well.
I think it's great that anyone can participate. That is what masters swimming is all about. I've never gone to nationals before. Since I started competing 5 years ago nationals has been on the other side of the country and I couldn't justify the trip to swim just 3 events. This year, for the first time ever, I have qualifying times in 4 events and am close in another 4. Also, nationals is in the west which makes it even better. So I will definitely be there. And I'm looking forward to meeting some of the people from this forum.:banana:
My thought on nationals is that it is pretty cool that pretty much any USMS swimmer can go - and is something I know I mention every time I try to recruit folks to come (or just get into the pool).
For all of us who never got the chance to qualify for a national meet as a kid, now, we can go to the national meet whenever we want just because we can. I think that is pretty cool. Now, I do make NQTs, and do quite alright for myself as well.
I think it's great that anyone can participate. That is what masters swimming is all about. I've never gone to nationals before. Since I started competing 5 years ago nationals has been on the other side of the country and I couldn't justify the trip to swim just 3 events. This year, for the first time ever, I have qualifying times in 4 events and am close in another 4. Also, nationals is in the west which makes it even better. So I will definitely be there. And I'm looking forward to meeting some of the people from this forum.:banana:
