I was just wondering if anyone out there knows of masters swimmers who don’t compete and that have achieved Top Ten Times, American Records, World Records, etc. in practice. I know that stories have circulated around about swimmers like Mark Spitz who have done this (although I think he did compete :)). I was just wondering if there are similar stories in the masters ranks. It seems to me that it would be highly probable in masters swimming because so many of its members do not actually swim at meets. Therefore, I would think there are people out there who achieve these (unofficial) times during a practice session and are relatively unknown. If you’ve got a story to share, please do.
I just don't get why anyone would join USMS, join a team, pay for a coach and then not compete....
I can't think of a single other sport where you get coaching and then decide against real competition.How about golf, tennis and water aerobics? Lots of people take up these and other sports for the physical exercise, camaraderie, and other benefits without ever intending to enter competitions. Many of these people pay to join a golf or tennis club and pay for coaching without ever feeling compelled to test their training or coaching in real competition.
Personally (and it shows from my times) the actual in the water part of swim meets is less important to me then the min-vacation and spending time with friends aspects. It is different with marathon swims, where completing the race is important to me. Maybe I’m a bit jaded from attend 40+ years of swim meets and way out of competition shape, but I get more satisfaction out of a workout of 100 100’s then I do out of racing a single 100.
And I know I’m different than many out there, but I join USMS first because I have to, and second to support an organization that provides the opportunities to the competitive and casual swimmer alike.
I just don't get why anyone would join USMS, join a team, pay for a coach and then not compete....
I can't think of a single other sport where you get coaching and then decide against real competition.How about golf, tennis and water aerobics? Lots of people take up these and other sports for the physical exercise, camaraderie, and other benefits without ever intending to enter competitions. Many of these people pay to join a golf or tennis club and pay for coaching without ever feeling compelled to test their training or coaching in real competition.
Personally (and it shows from my times) the actual in the water part of swim meets is less important to me then the min-vacation and spending time with friends aspects. It is different with marathon swims, where completing the race is important to me. Maybe I’m a bit jaded from attend 40+ years of swim meets and way out of competition shape, but I get more satisfaction out of a workout of 100 100’s then I do out of racing a single 100.
And I know I’m different than many out there, but I join USMS first because I have to, and second to support an organization that provides the opportunities to the competitive and casual swimmer alike.
