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
I am 48 and amazed at the speed of the fastest 45-49 guys. Guys like Steve Wood, Paul Smith, Jon Blank, etc.... I don't know any of these guys though I know a little about a few of them. One thing I know is that they didn't quit swimming after high school like I did and start again after 25 years off. Some of these guys were NCAA champions. I'm not envious of the time they have to train - I have no idea how much they train.
I wish instead that I had taken the sport more seriously in high school. I was just an above average AAU/HS swimmer. I wish I stayed more active during my 25+ years away from swimming. Then I'd be faster now. As it is I'm pleased I broke 25 in 50 (SCY) free this spring and think I have a chance to break 1:00 in the 100 IM. I continue to improve and wonder more about when I reach the point where I stop improving (hence my sig).
I am 48 and amazed at the speed of the fastest 45-49 guys. Guys like Steve Wood, Paul Smith, Jon Blank, etc.... I don't know any of these guys though I know a little about a few of them. One thing I know is that they didn't quit swimming after high school like I did and start again after 25 years off. Some of these guys were NCAA champions. I'm not envious of the time they have to train - I have no idea how much they train.
I wish instead that I had taken the sport more seriously in high school. I was just an above average AAU/HS swimmer. I wish I stayed more active during my 25+ years away from swimming. Then I'd be faster now. As it is I'm pleased I broke 25 in 50 (SCY) free this spring and think I have a chance to break 1:00 in the 100 IM. I continue to improve and wonder more about when I reach the point where I stop improving (hence my sig).
