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,
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. "
Michael - I approached a group of master's swimmers (women) in the locker room before their workout started, asking how long they'd been with the team, did they compete and mentioned my interest (albeit future interest). One woman looked me in square in the eye and told me that unless I could swim 4000 yds uninterupted, I wouldn't be able to keep up. Two others chimed in and said they had all swam in college (they were in their mid to late 20's?), so they were very "focussed". I got a similar reaction from a swimmer I approached after a workout. I have not talked to a coach as of yet.
I will pursue this further the closer I get to being ready to swim with the big kids. I've got big shoulders, and I understand the individual nature of the sport, but it would be so nice in the beginning to feel welcomed - especially after the first workout puts me in traction.
I appreciate all of your comments to my original posting. It feels great to be welcomed and and my intent understood here - and for right now that's enough support. Many, many thanks.
(Should we all have a group hug at this point?) :D
"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. "
Michael - I approached a group of master's swimmers (women) in the locker room before their workout started, asking how long they'd been with the team, did they compete and mentioned my interest (albeit future interest). One woman looked me in square in the eye and told me that unless I could swim 4000 yds uninterupted, I wouldn't be able to keep up. Two others chimed in and said they had all swam in college (they were in their mid to late 20's?), so they were very "focussed". I got a similar reaction from a swimmer I approached after a workout. I have not talked to a coach as of yet.
I will pursue this further the closer I get to being ready to swim with the big kids. I've got big shoulders, and I understand the individual nature of the sport, but it would be so nice in the beginning to feel welcomed - especially after the first workout puts me in traction.
I appreciate all of your comments to my original posting. It feels great to be welcomed and and my intent understood here - and for right now that's enough support. Many, many thanks.
(Should we all have a group hug at this point?) :D
