I want to ask questions about the life of a Champion.
If you are a World Record Holder, a National Record Holder, a State/Provincial record holder, a Club record holder, or even if you've recently gone a personal best; I want to know how you feel about being a Champion.
Masters win, regardless of place!
See, doing your best, no matter what level you achieve is a great experience. The feeling of improvement from consistent effort is something that anyone can attain. That joy is the same when you finish a race and you know it was your best, a great lifestyle, something worth striving for.
Since I've already started a discussion with Chris Stevenson, perhaps we can continue it here.
Chris, even though you may not have smiled at first (on camera anyways) how did the next few days feel? Are these your first WR titles? Do you plan on more in the future? You're a chemistry teacher, right? Do you realize you've inspired me, and countless others?
Jonathan, that would be interesting to measure. I do get feedback from former age groupers and college swimmers who say they envy the newness of the sport in me. To them, the sport became a chore and many went away from it in their 20's and then come back in their 30's and 40's. The decline they have from the break and aging dismays them. they watch my drive and enthusiasm for swimming say 31 in the 50 free, and wish they had it, because even though they can swim much faster without a lot of training, they don't get the same joy, because they remember much faster times. It tends to discourage them.
I figure that the gap will close a bit as I get older. Perhaps in about 15 years when I am in the 60 year old age group. In looking at my parents, I have tremendously good genetics on my side, and have consistency in fitness that a lot of people my age struggle to attain. I have determination and focus, and simply just enjoy this journey.
Jonathan, that would be interesting to measure. I do get feedback from former age groupers and college swimmers who say they envy the newness of the sport in me. To them, the sport became a chore and many went away from it in their 20's and then come back in their 30's and 40's. The decline they have from the break and aging dismays them. they watch my drive and enthusiasm for swimming say 31 in the 50 free, and wish they had it, because even though they can swim much faster without a lot of training, they don't get the same joy, because they remember much faster times. It tends to discourage them.
I figure that the gap will close a bit as I get older. Perhaps in about 15 years when I am in the 60 year old age group. In looking at my parents, I have tremendously good genetics on my side, and have consistency in fitness that a lot of people my age struggle to attain. I have determination and focus, and simply just enjoy this journey.
