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!!
Donna, there are definitely elite swimmers - the Coughlins, Phelps, Crockers, and Sandenos of the world ... I wouldn't classify it simply by $$ though, I'd put all the A & B finalist from Nationals, Worlds, NCAAs, Olympics, etc in that group whether or not they are making $$$. It takes some darn fast times to final at any of those meets.
By the by Donna, I'd put you into that group when you were swimming USS.
What about the masters elite though? The swimmers that go to worlds (masters worlds) and win or go top 3, break masters world or national records? I think we can have elite swimmers and elite masters swimmers .... like the John and Paul Smiths of the world ... those are some impressive times those guys put up ... it must a longhorn thing ...
Just wanted to include those non-pro swimmers. I'd say Olympic trials cuts would make one elite - we could argue on the semantics for ages ...
I hope that at 90 you are still WALKING to the beach for your 3 mile swims. That's a better goal, don't you think? 70 is still young!
I have as much, if not more, respect for the adult learners that swim meets and do tough events (400IM, 200 of any stroke, the 1650, etc) and have fun as I do for those that set records left and right ...
AND ANYONE who even thinks about swimming 18 miles and trains for it is elite in my book ...
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
