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
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 ....
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
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.
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
Well I must speak up on behalf of the younger swimmers I've had brief chats with at the Y. I mentioned to them I was thinking of competing and they said I "totally should" (Which makes me wonder if I can only partially compete--you probably can if you're a sprinter or something...:thhbbb: )
Another asked if I was going to workout with them, which I thought was really nice. I just laughed and said, "Yeah maybe for the first 50..."
The guards are all good too and help with stroke tips and things if you ask,
My point is that they all looked on me as being a peer to an extent, and were not dismissive in anyway. I guess it depends on the individual.
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
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:
LOL happy new year hehehe. I'm glad it didn't go overyour head. ;). Just for the record...I'll probably be doing a slow 50 BR in my meet too. So you can mock my times then :D
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.
Poolraat/Fortress
For the sinuses: Get some moisteriser and massage your toes on the underside. Work gently on each toe on the fleshy bitboue the ball of the foot and below the "knuckle".
That might help move some congestion.
Between us we may have a healthy swimmer...
