Some elite masters swimmers appear to be almost quasi "professional" in terms of the time and energy they devote to the sport and my impression is that there are more and more of such swimmers competing in masters now. At least in my two masters age groups to date, women's 40-44 and 45-49, there is a true professional swimmer (KPN), past Olympians swimming amazing times, professional triathletes and professional engine builders. (My spies tell me about their yardage.) Times across the board in my age group were much faster this year than last year. Not sure about the men's times or other women's times. Is it similar?
It seems like a massive amount of time is involved to put in all the yardage, weights, drylands, stretching, RC exercises, cross-training necessary and to go to all the PT, ART, orthopod and massage appointments. Their dedication is admirable. But I have difficulty fitting this all in. :violin: I'm sure most others must too. Life and kids definitely interfere with even getting to practice, wholly apart from a total devotion to swimming. So I can't out-train anyone.
Am I only imagining that masters swimming is getting more competitive? The phenoms are all just genetically talented swimmers? Thoughts anyone?
JUST TO BE PERFECTLY CLEAR, I AM NOT CRITICIZING ANYONE, JUST ASKING QUESTIONS.
Parents
Former Member
Some obvious factors for success...outside of the heavy duty training might have to do with genetics.
In my observations...many National caliber masters swimmers in their 40's and 50's from the neck down, look as if they're only in their late twenties.
Staying lean, limber and injury free are key ingredients to excelling in any sport...especially this one.
Perhaps the surge in improvements are more readily seen in the 40 and 50 something groups...because the 30 year olds are just getting started with their first batch of babies. Sleep deprivation and diaper duty puts a damper on almost everything despite the rewards of parenthood.
Some obvious factors for success...outside of the heavy duty training might have to do with genetics.
In my observations...many National caliber masters swimmers in their 40's and 50's from the neck down, look as if they're only in their late twenties.
Staying lean, limber and injury free are key ingredients to excelling in any sport...especially this one.
Perhaps the surge in improvements are more readily seen in the 40 and 50 something groups...because the 30 year olds are just getting started with their first batch of babies. Sleep deprivation and diaper duty puts a damper on almost everything despite the rewards of parenthood.
