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
As a 20 something I feel inclined to respond ... We have the biggest range of ability on my team. We have some very, very fast people and some people that are adult learners and come to a couple of practices a week and swim no where near 4K (they might not make 2K). You know what I am glad that each and every one of them comes.
As Paul as said again and again, it's masters for cryin' out loud. I am super competitive so I am constantly working to be one of the fastest girls on the team (and fastest people period).
Anyone that judges you by your ability or speed in the pool isn't worth your time. Please do not think that they represent masters or even the 20 year old age groups.
Also, the 40-44 and 45-49 year age groups are riddiculous. The fastest female time in the 100 last year at state (IL) came from a woman in her 40s - she went a 51. She would have placed in every one of the men's age groups - and been 2nd in her age group for men!!
As a 20 something I feel inclined to respond ... We have the biggest range of ability on my team. We have some very, very fast people and some people that are adult learners and come to a couple of practices a week and swim no where near 4K (they might not make 2K). You know what I am glad that each and every one of them comes.
As Paul as said again and again, it's masters for cryin' out loud. I am super competitive so I am constantly working to be one of the fastest girls on the team (and fastest people period).
Anyone that judges you by your ability or speed in the pool isn't worth your time. Please do not think that they represent masters or even the 20 year old age groups.
Also, the 40-44 and 45-49 year age groups are riddiculous. The fastest female time in the 100 last year at state (IL) came from a woman in her 40s - she went a 51. She would have placed in every one of the men's age groups - and been 2nd in her age group for men!!
