Having been selected for this honor last year, I'd like to make a couple of comments from that perspective.
While I can't remember the exact criteria the selection committe uses, I think the total number of records set is the most heavily weighted factor.
I feel this is an unfair advantage to older swimmers (like myself). It is definitely tougher to break multiple records in the younger age groups (Karlyn P-N notwithstanding). The overall competition in the younger groups is just so much deeper and the standards that do exist are so much more challenging. Personally, one or two incredible efforts (e.g. Rich Saeger's 200 LCM free or Jeff Commings recent 1:01 in the 100 SCM ***) deserve this kind of recognition. Maybe a seperate award for the most mind blowing performance (men's and women's) could be added or at least adjust the criteria to better honor the younger swimmers.
What do you thinK?
Rich
Having been selected for this honor last year, I'd like to make a couple of comments from that perspective.
While I can't remember the exact criteria the selection committe uses, I think the total number of records set is the most heavily weighted factor.
I feel this is an unfair advantage to older swimmers (like myself). It is definitely tougher to break multiple records in the younger age groups (Karlyn P-N notwithstanding). The overall competition in the younger groups is just so much deeper and the standards that do exist are so much more challenging. Personally, one or two incredible efforts (e.g. Rich Saeger's 200 LCM free or Jeff Commings recent 1:01 in the 100 SCM ***) deserve this kind of recognition. Maybe a seperate award for the most mind blowing performance (men's and women's) could be added or at least adjust the criteria to better honor the younger swimmers.
What do you thinK?
Rich
