This new thread occurred to me while reading posts comparing Spitz to Phelps, as well as reflecting upon mortality considering heart attacks etc. In swimming we immortalize individuals or teams for various feats or contributions, but do little to preserve a feeling for subsequent generations of enthusiasts about what it was like to train and compete 'back in the day'. Just what day am I talking about? Exactly: there have been many 'days' or more properly 'eras' that can be narrowly characterized by differences in equipment, distances swum and trained, coaching methods or more widely by larger factors: world war, global depression, racial segregation, inequality of the sexes. All of these can contribute to very different experiences than what are common today to the younger swimmer; hence, 'what was it like'. I visualize a thread that continues to be added to as new people read it and remember their own experiences. As well, experience can vary with national origin, not just era. There have already been posts on this topic scattered in various threads, please feel free to copy or quote material from them to here.
Please remember that this is not about how fast a particular swimmer was, but about the conditions that defined competitive swimming of that day.
We also have a priceless resource out there: aging swimmers in their 80's or 90's who may be less likely to read or hear of this thread; why not ask them for some of their memories or impressions and pass them on to us, while we still can?
Former Member
Hey,
How about the Mohawk?
A number of us used to shave our heads for league/state finals in the mohawk pattern.
This thing looked absolutely wicked cool on the high headed sprinters,viewed from the pool deck or stands.
I haven't seen one since high school (78-82).
How about the sweats in the early 80's to go along with the Mohawk? I still have mine- sentimental ya' know. Something about that nylon and polyester!
Has anyone noticed that the 80's are making a comeback in fashion? I teach in a MS and some boys have Mohawks. The dress is jeans (too tight of course) and sweatshirts, and tennis shoes (even Vans again).
Oh, and how could I forget- MOON BOOTS!! Those were the best for keeping my footies warm. Now, I can't find moon boots so UGGS are the thing.
Good one Michael, Thanks!
I guess you were a Playland guy too? My mom and dad used to go there all the time!
Michael H.- I don't know if you'll remember, but was that meet at Cowell Pool in Concord? That's where I swam with Concord-Pleasant Hill in the mid-80s. The pool would have been pretty new then I think. They just remodeled the whole pool. Gutters flush with the deck, all the bells and whistles, it looks great.
The early lycra (Belgrade) suits for women were scandalous because they had no skirts or lining. They were nicknamed "boob tubes" after the popular women's clothing article. I was told they took at least 20 minutes to get on. They were available in one color, royal blue. Had snaps at one shoulder that caused rashes and pain. They were not transparent when wet, but no one had to guess about birth marks or moles. I'm not convinced they were even lycra, just real tight.
I got my first (speedo) lycra suit in 1974 at LC nationals in Concord, CA. Not knowing any better (no knowledge of the stretchiness of the fabric), I picked the same size I wore in nylon. It felt real fast dry, but turned into a baloon when racing.
Karen, WHAT? No moon boots in ski shops anymore? I was going to get a pair to bring back here for rainy season--now what do I do? Polyester/nylon sweats? I guess Texas has a monopoly on the good stuff; cotton with lambs wool--sweats from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Of course they do grow cotton there. I can't do polyester, it reminds me of a bad era that goes with the white shoes and white belts and big sundial jewlery in the discos. Uck..
donna
The Far Westerns were at Fleishacher Pool, next to SF Zoo, every summer. Cold as hell and scarey with a dippy old green bulkhead for your starting area for 50 meter events. Lance Larson was the first man in the world to break one minute in the 100 meter butterfly in that pool.
After reading It's a slow show's response about the pool near the SF Zoo, I will say this: I thought the Mexico City pool left a lot to be desired. Why they wanted such a huge bulkhead made us all scratch our heads after swimming in the UTA pool, the SClara pool, the Long Beach pool. Horrific wave action. But my friends Doug Russell and Debbie Meyer swam exemplary, as did so many others. Kudos to some great athletes!! And to Kay, a great backstroker!! Gosh, those were the days....
donna
So, to everyone who is enjoying this thread so far (I know I am), please consider cornering a swimmer senior to you at one of the workouts or meets where you see the opportunity. Run some of the observations reported here by them and ask 'What was it like for you?'. This is our heritage, the sport we love, let's preserve the colour, the feel, of the sport while we still can.
