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Rise of the "Professional" Masters Swimmer?

The Fortress
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
  • Fortress - Thanks for the very interesting and enduring post idea. I'm not one of the elites, I swim for myself and (mostly) for my health. But the discussion has been very interesting to read. Perhaps, someday, if I live long enough and others do not, I will make top ten, but simply pushing myself seems reward enough for me. Thanks again, and best of luck to all the elites, as you make it fun and I learn a ton just watching you swim.
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  • Fortress - Thanks for the very interesting and enduring post idea. I'm not one of the elites, I swim for myself and (mostly) for my health. But the discussion has been very interesting to read. Perhaps, someday, if I live long enough and others do not, I will make top ten, but simply pushing myself seems reward enough for me. Thanks again, and best of luck to all the elites, as you make it fun and I learn a ton just watching you swim.
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