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
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
Please tell me what is an Elite swimmer, I have yet to meet one that I consider Elite. I have meet some prima donas who may have thought they were Elite and Canada started awarding financial aid to so called Elite swimmers that I thought should have gone to developing swimmers through the swim club system.
Heather and Fortress,
I am blushing here because of your kind words. I guess I just never thought of myself as being elite, not then and not now. But I do know that I will be "beat up" after I complete an 18 mile swim.:rofl:
Donna
Looking at the results from last year's one hour postal championships, I would say that anyone completing 5000 yards is elite. Our coach informed us that we will be swimming this on Saturday.
So you are saying that you are elite, huh? :laugh2:
Good luck. I'd actually like to try that ... there's a big ole distance challenge coming up in March here (or Feb) I might try ... last year I was still recovering from the shoulder so ... We'll see, I'm thinking about it ....
Looking at the results from last year's one hour postal championships, I would say that anyone completing 5000 yards is elite. Our coach informed us that we will be swimming this on Saturday.
Our team did a 7000 yesterday. It really wasn't too bad once you got into the groove of it. We made it a charity swim for the Y. Given that I did it, I'm certain that it does not require the elite level.
Looking at the results from last year's one hour postal championships, I would say that anyone completing 5000 yards is elite. Our coach informed us that we will be swimming this on Saturday.
Good luck! I might try it again this year. Last time my legs cramped up a couple different times during the swim. Not at all fun! Do what you can pre-swim to avoid this.
Drugs might help or not. I've had a round of antibiotics, but that doesn't always work for sinus infections. Now, if you've got the wicked cough to go with it, you should go to a doctor. I'm just snuffly now and recovering from a few days of being surrounded with dogs.
No cough or chest congestion. Just feels like my head is in a bucket.
Looking at the results from last year's one hour postal championships, I would say that anyone completing 5000 yards is elite. Our coach informed us that we will be swimming this on Saturday.
I'd skip practice .... I'd claim congestion.
Poolraat:
Drugs might help or not. I've had a round of antibiotics, but that doesn't always work for sinus infections. Now, if you've got the wicked cough to go with it, you should go to a doctor. I'm just snuffly now and recovering from a few days of being surrounded with dogs.
My head is merely congested,...
You too? I'm beginning to wonder if this sinus thing will ever go away.
I probably should go to the clinic and get some drugs.
