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
But we all know that being on top is a temporary pass; it has to be passed to another later on. no trail blazing is left in me.
I, too, still meet those prima donnas you speak of. Donna
A jerk is a jerk is a jerk if they are dissing other striving swimmers, whether they are 20 or 100. Jerks seem to come in all ages and sizes.
In "masters" swimming, though, it seems you can stay on top for awhile. Look at Allen, swimming since 25. And the Smiths. And Ande. And Karlyn. Seems like there's no stopping them. Whereas allergies and shoulder problems seem to stop me dead in my tracks...
And, Donna, I agree with Heather, you were definitely elite when you were younger and an Olympian. (I think Heather's definition of making trail cuts is a good definition of elite for USS swimmers.) You are also an elite masters swimmer because you've placed in the Top 10 at a national meet. Top 10 seems pretty "elite," whatever that term technically means. Plus, I think you still have some "trail blazing" to do on the forum and in the ocean. :rofl:
Anyone who swims 18 miles or works hard or tries to compete is tops in my book. And competitions are not just for sprinters, Richjb. :thhbbb: Many sprinters like myself admire distance junkies and secretly wish we could do it. Although I guess I have also heard distance swimmers say they wish they were sprinters. I guess mutual admiration works well and is the best policy. So just don't be calling us sprinters "turners" instead of "swimmers" and we'll all be good.:thhbbb:
But we all know that being on top is a temporary pass; it has to be passed to another later on. no trail blazing is left in me.
I, too, still meet those prima donnas you speak of. Donna
A jerk is a jerk is a jerk if they are dissing other striving swimmers, whether they are 20 or 100. Jerks seem to come in all ages and sizes.
In "masters" swimming, though, it seems you can stay on top for awhile. Look at Allen, swimming since 25. And the Smiths. And Ande. And Karlyn. Seems like there's no stopping them. Whereas allergies and shoulder problems seem to stop me dead in my tracks...
And, Donna, I agree with Heather, you were definitely elite when you were younger and an Olympian. (I think Heather's definition of making trail cuts is a good definition of elite for USS swimmers.) You are also an elite masters swimmer because you've placed in the Top 10 at a national meet. Top 10 seems pretty "elite," whatever that term technically means. Plus, I think you still have some "trail blazing" to do on the forum and in the ocean. :rofl:
Anyone who swims 18 miles or works hard or tries to compete is tops in my book. And competitions are not just for sprinters, Richjb. :thhbbb: Many sprinters like myself admire distance junkies and secretly wish we could do it. Although I guess I have also heard distance swimmers say they wish they were sprinters. I guess mutual admiration works well and is the best policy. So just don't be calling us sprinters "turners" instead of "swimmers" and we'll all be good.:thhbbb:
