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
This is not my opinion, but observation only. An Elite swimmer is a swimmer whose rank puts them in the cream of the crop category; fast times, setting records left and right, top 10 worldwide, sponsorships, pictures on cereal boxes, etc. Now, that Elite swimmer started where everyone else started--at the bottom--and through much hard work has earned being on top. But we all know that being on top is a temporary pass; it has to be passed to another later on. Also, I think the ITC uses the word Elite to differentiate top athletes from not-so-top athletes. And I do believe there is a "point system" so the more points=Elite.
And because Elite swimmers did come from the bottom, I agree, George, that monies could be better spent put into swim clubs rather than just a select few in order for people new to swimming to get the best that those monies could offer. And I am not an Elite swimmer, nor did I ever consider myself as one; no trail blazing is left in me.
I, too, still meet those prima donnas you speak of.
Donna
This is not my opinion, but observation only. An Elite swimmer is a swimmer whose rank puts them in the cream of the crop category; fast times, setting records left and right, top 10 worldwide, sponsorships, pictures on cereal boxes, etc. Now, that Elite swimmer started where everyone else started--at the bottom--and through much hard work has earned being on top. But we all know that being on top is a temporary pass; it has to be passed to another later on. Also, I think the ITC uses the word Elite to differentiate top athletes from not-so-top athletes. And I do believe there is a "point system" so the more points=Elite.
And because Elite swimmers did come from the bottom, I agree, George, that monies could be better spent put into swim clubs rather than just a select few in order for people new to swimming to get the best that those monies could offer. And I am not an Elite swimmer, nor did I ever consider myself as one; no trail blazing is left in me.
I, too, still meet those prima donnas you speak of.
Donna
