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
Barb......first off anyone in their 20's hasn't even really paid taxes yet....so I wouldn't put much faith in their self importance.....in fact, check out some of the times that the womens 40-44 & 45-49 women are doing, then ask these 20ish gals if they'd make top 10......in either of those age groups.....my guess is the peacocks may pull their feathers in a bit....:thhbbb:
Its MASTERS!!
Barb:
As one of those old 45 year olds, I agree with Paul. They have barely started living. Wait until they launch careers, buy homes, possibly have children, juggle numerous responsibilities, etc. Then they'll see that it isn't all that easy getting your 4000 yards in like clockwork.
It can be hard joining a new team. Are there other women closer to your age on your team? They may be more understanding. Or not...
When I first started swimming with a very informal masters group at my local gym, there was a woman my age with some decent times that previously swam with a famous coach in our area, ran a summer swim team and generally had a high opinion of herself. She would occasionally make somewhat snide comments to me or give me "advice" on how to compete. I listened politely, but ignored the attempts at one-upmanship. I still see her a lot because now our daughters are at all the same meets ... She's not currently competing.
Fortunately, when I joined a real team, I found a lot of 35-60 year olds with a few youngsters as well. But none of them, I don't believe, would ever make fun of a newbie's abilities. (You might get ragged on, as I do, for missing practices.) So try to ignore those catty 20 somethings and just concentrate on your own improvement. You may improve more quickly than you -- or they -- think. Once you check out the "current top times" (competition tab), you can ask them if they can beat Susan V. or Karlyn P-N or Lisa Dahl. I don't think so either. :thhbbb: There are some amazing older women swimming. And the fact that you're there getting your feet wet, and willing to try your best, makes you amazing too! It's not easy to start over. It took me 24 years to get back in the pool.
Barb......first off anyone in their 20's hasn't even really paid taxes yet....so I wouldn't put much faith in their self importance.....in fact, check out some of the times that the womens 40-44 & 45-49 women are doing, then ask these 20ish gals if they'd make top 10......in either of those age groups.....my guess is the peacocks may pull their feathers in a bit....:thhbbb:
Its MASTERS!!
Barb:
As one of those old 45 year olds, I agree with Paul. They have barely started living. Wait until they launch careers, buy homes, possibly have children, juggle numerous responsibilities, etc. Then they'll see that it isn't all that easy getting your 4000 yards in like clockwork.
It can be hard joining a new team. Are there other women closer to your age on your team? They may be more understanding. Or not...
When I first started swimming with a very informal masters group at my local gym, there was a woman my age with some decent times that previously swam with a famous coach in our area, ran a summer swim team and generally had a high opinion of herself. She would occasionally make somewhat snide comments to me or give me "advice" on how to compete. I listened politely, but ignored the attempts at one-upmanship. I still see her a lot because now our daughters are at all the same meets ... She's not currently competing.
Fortunately, when I joined a real team, I found a lot of 35-60 year olds with a few youngsters as well. But none of them, I don't believe, would ever make fun of a newbie's abilities. (You might get ragged on, as I do, for missing practices.) So try to ignore those catty 20 somethings and just concentrate on your own improvement. You may improve more quickly than you -- or they -- think. Once you check out the "current top times" (competition tab), you can ask them if they can beat Susan V. or Karlyn P-N or Lisa Dahl. I don't think so either. :thhbbb: There are some amazing older women swimming. And the fact that you're there getting your feet wet, and willing to try your best, makes you amazing too! It's not easy to start over. It took me 24 years to get back in the pool.
