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
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.
I have witnessed a bit of "elitism" among folks in the "fastest lane" with my club too. You are only allowed in that lane if you meet certain criteria and like to do gnarly sets. However, we do have a broad cross section of ages and abilities on my team so we spread out amicably. Unfortunately, we don't have that many people competing in meets either despite the fact that we host meets and attendance is strongly encouraged.
As to the "cream of the crop," I have largely had the same experience as Michael. The world record holders and other ranked swimmers that I know are very gracious, friendly and willing to offer assistance. I have seen this at meets, at practice and on this forum. Offhand, I can only think of one or two notable exceptions of ego run amuck. But that just happens sometimes. Generally, as you say, the "elite," for lack of a better word, don't need further validation.
Ensignada:
I began only 1 1/2 years ago training masters. Just keep up the good work and compete if the urge strikes you. No better goal than to achieve great fitness and have fun while doing so!
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.
I have witnessed a bit of "elitism" among folks in the "fastest lane" with my club too. You are only allowed in that lane if you meet certain criteria and like to do gnarly sets. However, we do have a broad cross section of ages and abilities on my team so we spread out amicably. Unfortunately, we don't have that many people competing in meets either despite the fact that we host meets and attendance is strongly encouraged.
As to the "cream of the crop," I have largely had the same experience as Michael. The world record holders and other ranked swimmers that I know are very gracious, friendly and willing to offer assistance. I have seen this at meets, at practice and on this forum. Offhand, I can only think of one or two notable exceptions of ego run amuck. But that just happens sometimes. Generally, as you say, the "elite," for lack of a better word, don't need further validation.
Ensignada:
I began only 1 1/2 years ago training masters. Just keep up the good work and compete if the urge strikes you. No better goal than to achieve great fitness and have fun while doing so!
