I realize this thread will create a lot of controversy.
Over the past five years I have worked very hard to develop clubs and increase membership in USMS. The very fabric of my work and others in this area is building relationships and comradairre within the LMSC and or Club. Small clubs and large teams are proud of their "elite" swimmers and boast of their successes. With this said, it is very disturbing to me as I read through the FINA World Championships Physch Sheets to see the number of elite swimmers "jumping ship" to other clubs to swim on "elite" relays. If USMS had "Team USMS" I would have no problem with everyone coming together for a team effort. I don't have a problem with four guys coming together who swam in college using the Worlds as reunion of sorts. Where I have problem is the swimmer or swimmers who have been a member of a club or LMSC for years and because of individual egos leaves his team. What this says to me is our "elite" swimmers ego is more important than his or her club. How do you think the other 3 swimmers who normally swims on the relay with the "elite" swimmer feels. We are good enough througout the year, however we are not good enough for the Worlds. Instead of swimming for his or her club so all members of the club can be proud of the "elite" swimmers accomplishments, it is more important to this swimmer he or she represent someone else at the Worlds for personal gratification. If the relay team does win and breaks a WR the record does not show USMS as the record holder, but the name of a club the swimmer transferred too.... what a shame...
It is regretable I bring up this discussion, but it tears at the very fabric of the USMS mission regarding building club or LMSC relationships...I realize what these swimmers are doing is within the rules.. I just think it is wrong.
Mel
Former Member
Actually, I did not get to meet him. Hell, I was so delerious the last 20 meters I was almost converted to Catholocism...... uh.....I mean Italianism.
Note.... 100 m free is a middle distance event when you are over 40.
Helpful hint.... do not train SCM for a Long Course meet.
John Smith
Originally posted by TheGoodSmith
Actually, I did not get to meet him. Hell, I was so delerious the last 20 meters I was almost converted to Catholocism...... uh.....I mean Italianism.
Note.... 100 m free is a middle distance event when you are over 40.
Helpful hint.... do not train SCM for a Long Course meet.
John Smith
I would have LOVED to see your race. It must've been a good one. Compliments to all of you!
:)
I see that John and Rich have met Metello!
Men 40-44 100 LC Meter Freestyle
1 Saeger, Rich E 42 TYR-USA 54.00 53.45W
25.40 53.45 (28.05)
2 Savino, Metello 43 DDS-ITA 54.50 54.17M
25.83 54.17 (28.34)
3 Smith, John C 44 TYR-USA 54.50 54.27M
25.98 54.27 (28.29)
:cool:
Kokkole,
We had two very competitive and really funny relays today with the Italians......they we're awesome swimmers and incredible sportsman......I got a chance to talk briefly with both Metello (he anchored the free relay against me and Fabio (we went head to head on the fly legs of the medley)......both we're very nice and I wish we'd gotten to talk more!
Speaking of the Italians.....rumor has it from a very reliable soruc that they we're at a different bar than our team last night but managed to outdrink us in a BIG way.....apparently they even sold off some of their clothing to some of the gals in attendence.....now that's how you fund team travel!
Some amazing relay swims all around but just glancing through the results how bout that medley relay effort by Colorado masters 200+? Oh my word 1:50.83. Are you kidding me?
1 CMS 'A-USA' 1:53.30 1:50.83W
1) Wood, Steve M46 2) Groselle, Jack R M52
3) Hedrick, Trip M52 4) Abrahams, Richard T M61
28.75 1:00.27 (31.52)
1:25.95 (25.68) 1:50.83 (24.88)
Hard to find fault with any of these splits, but Rich Abrahams anchoring in a 24.88, that's just unreal. Congrats guys!
Kokkole,
It was actually Giuseppe that anchored the free relay that I spoke with.....Metello lead off against our "youngster" Matt.
As for the "win" in both relays.....I'm putting an asterik next to it and asking for a rematch when Fabio is healthy......showing up to swim two months after surgery was studly but he was not at 100%.....set up the meet in Italy when he's healthy & John, Rich, Greg, Matt & I will come over...and maybe see if we can sell some of our stuff to the Italian ladies!
PS: You need to tell the fantastic four to hold out for better $$#, the Baziallians we're getting $20 a suit!
Originally posted by Paul Smith
Kokkole,
We had two very competitive and really funny relays today with the Italians......they we're awesome swimmers and incredible sportsman......I got a chance to talk briefly with both Metello (he anchored the free relay against me and Fabio (we went head to head on the fly legs of the medley)......both we're very nice and I wish we'd gotten to talk more!
Speaking of the Italians.....rumor has it from a very reliable soruc that they we're at a different bar than our team last night but managed to outdrink us in a BIG way.....apparently they even sold off some of their clothing to some of the gals in attendence.....now that's how you fund team travel!
When all the controversy is said and done, the competition is just plain a lot of fun.
:D
PS: Must the Italian Consulate make formal apologies to the gals at the bar for the Fantastic Four's (that's their nickname) behaviour? :confused:
Originally posted by knelson
Some amazing relay swims all around but just glancing through the results how bout that medley relay effort by Colorado masters 200+? Oh my word 1:50.83. Are you kidding me?
1 CMS 'A-USA' 1:53.30 1:50.83W
1) Wood, Steve M46 2) Groselle, Jack R M52
3) Hedrick, Trip M52 4) Abrahams, Richard T M61
28.75 1:00.27 (31.52)
1:25.95 (25.68) 1:50.83 (24.88)
Hard to find fault with any of these splits, but Rich Abrahams anchoring in a 24.88, that's just unreal. Congrats guys!
That's a leadoff world record for Steve Wood who is actually from Texas and where is Trip actually from? Very good relay but I'll bet Steve thought he was going to be on the relay with the Smith boys. Looks like it all worked out.
To Paul and John, and the whole Team TYR,
I've just been informed that it will be my job to console the DDS relay team (Fantastic Four) for "only" getting the silver, upon their arrival in Italy.
THANKS FOR BEATING THEM!!! ;)
