Losers who daydream and miss their heat

Nkfrench, The "compelling" reason for each participant to keep up on their lane assignment is the main reason they are at the meet to begin with .......... i.e. to race with their peers as well as the clock. We are all adults, and we pay a lot of money to attend this event. I can assure you that swimmers would MUCH rather participate in their own assigned heats and lanes than "beg" the official to swim in an open lane. As far as the mix up on medals are concerned, most people would be satisfied with just getting in to swim the event for a time with no points or places awarded should they miss their heat. I mean really........ we're there for self improvement, general physical fitness and above all to see old friends (which is partly why I missed my heat) ..... not because we are 10 years old and need a medal. Rick (Osterber) seems to have a better view of this situation than most officials in my opinion. John Smith

Nkfrench, The "compelling" reason for each participant to keep up on their lane assignment is the main reason they are at the meet to begin with .......... i.e. to race with their peers as well as the clock. We are all adults, and we pay a lot of money to attend this event. I can assure you that swimmers would MUCH rather participate in their own assigned heats and lanes than "beg" the official to swim in an open lane. As far as the mix up on medals are concerned, most people would be satisfied with just getting in to swim the event for a time with no points or places awarded should they miss their heat. I mean really........ we're there for self improvement, general physical fitness and above all to see old friends (which is partly why I missed my heat) ..... not because we are 10 years old and need a medal. Rick (Osterber) seems to have a better view of this situation than most officials in my opinion. John Smith