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
Heather, I didn't mean to dismiss any top swimmers at all; I think maybe I have had more experience over the last 5 years with triathletes and how they are viewed, thus my observations. But as I mentioned, it wasn't my true definition of an Elite swimmer; I have known many Elite swimmers, and my favorite ones are those who set personal bests and records for they seem more impressed with the personal best. And the older I get, I think all over about age 50 are elite; record setting are not. (Funny how we change our definitions and views as WE ourselves age :rofl:
For me, when I am about 70 and as I hobble my way to the beach for a 3 mile swim, then I will know I am elite!!!
Donna
Heather, I didn't mean to dismiss any top swimmers at all; I think maybe I have had more experience over the last 5 years with triathletes and how they are viewed, thus my observations. But as I mentioned, it wasn't my true definition of an Elite swimmer; I have known many Elite swimmers, and my favorite ones are those who set personal bests and records for they seem more impressed with the personal best. And the older I get, I think all over about age 50 are elite; record setting are not. (Funny how we change our definitions and views as WE ourselves age :rofl:
For me, when I am about 70 and as I hobble my way to the beach for a 3 mile swim, then I will know I am elite!!!
Donna
