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
ensignada,
In your post you refer to a "wall of elitism" which turned you off, but went no further to describe the phenomenon. I am very interested in knowing about what you encountered, not only to compare with my own experiences, but to address the perception that could be contrary to the good health of USMS.
When I was younger, I was what may have been referred to as elite, meaning a fast, competitive swimmer, but always knew that Masters was filled with members having many different ability and dedication levels. I was happy to help others with stroke technique or encourage them to try a meet experience.
I am now in the position of not being in the fastest lane anymore, and am experiencing what it seems you and others have been subject to. The fast lane in my club is a clique that, for whatever reason, does not feel or practice "noblesse oblige" and rarely speak to anyone not in the lane. This is not healthy for the club or sport. Part of the result is that our club, while having about 160 members on Masters, has rarely more than 3 or 4 people at any swim meet. Others, myself included, choose to attach to other clubs that are more accepting of different ages and speeds, or have more to offer socially.
My general experience with the fastest of swimmers, the true cream of the crop (I know many in all ages) record setters and speed demons is that they are quite friendly and approachable. They have the knowledge of their accomplishments and the work needed to perform at a very high level, and do not need to put others down to get validation.
Unfortunately, I also have had experiences with "fitness" swimmers that can really make life miserable. Not a lot, but memorable ones just the same. They can be just as offputting as the "elite" swimmers I imagine you have referred to.
We are all in this together, for better or worse, so why not make it better? It is a truly rare facility that can afford to have but one person per lane at all times, so we may as well learn to get along.
ensignada,
In your post you refer to a "wall of elitism" which turned you off, but went no further to describe the phenomenon. I am very interested in knowing about what you encountered, not only to compare with my own experiences, but to address the perception that could be contrary to the good health of USMS.
When I was younger, I was what may have been referred to as elite, meaning a fast, competitive swimmer, but always knew that Masters was filled with members having many different ability and dedication levels. I was happy to help others with stroke technique or encourage them to try a meet experience.
I am now in the position of not being in the fastest lane anymore, and am experiencing what it seems you and others have been subject to. The fast lane in my club is a clique that, for whatever reason, does not feel or practice "noblesse oblige" and rarely speak to anyone not in the lane. This is not healthy for the club or sport. Part of the result is that our club, while having about 160 members on Masters, has rarely more than 3 or 4 people at any swim meet. Others, myself included, choose to attach to other clubs that are more accepting of different ages and speeds, or have more to offer socially.
My general experience with the fastest of swimmers, the true cream of the crop (I know many in all ages) record setters and speed demons is that they are quite friendly and approachable. They have the knowledge of their accomplishments and the work needed to perform at a very high level, and do not need to put others down to get validation.
Unfortunately, I also have had experiences with "fitness" swimmers that can really make life miserable. Not a lot, but memorable ones just the same. They can be just as offputting as the "elite" swimmers I imagine you have referred to.
We are all in this together, for better or worse, so why not make it better? It is a truly rare facility that can afford to have but one person per lane at all times, so we may as well learn to get along.
