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
Ensignada,
I loved your reply to this post. I want you to think about something as you continue to swim with a handful of swimmers who may think they are elite, whatever that is to some. Sometimes, a swimmer with "attitude" only has that attitude because they are big fish in a little pond. Humility is usually learned when they have to swim with big fish in a big pond.
You will make more progress faster than they will now for they may be close to their peak performances. As you continue your journey toward fitness and faster swimming, and you do lane change, it is always obvious to others. And if and when you continue to move up and change lanes, you will be able to add appreciation and humility to the faster lane. Something that others in the slower lanes will very much appreciate.
I have only encountered two fast swimmers with "attitude" in the years that I used to swim Masters. And the beauty of this "attitude" is there Is someone out there much faster. No one stays on the podium in first place for long; not in sports.
Donna
Ensignada,
I loved your reply to this post. I want you to think about something as you continue to swim with a handful of swimmers who may think they are elite, whatever that is to some. Sometimes, a swimmer with "attitude" only has that attitude because they are big fish in a little pond. Humility is usually learned when they have to swim with big fish in a big pond.
You will make more progress faster than they will now for they may be close to their peak performances. As you continue your journey toward fitness and faster swimming, and you do lane change, it is always obvious to others. And if and when you continue to move up and change lanes, you will be able to add appreciation and humility to the faster lane. Something that others in the slower lanes will very much appreciate.
I have only encountered two fast swimmers with "attitude" in the years that I used to swim Masters. And the beauty of this "attitude" is there Is someone out there much faster. No one stays on the podium in first place for long; not in sports.
Donna
