Masters swimmers that don't compete

I don't understand why it is so difficult to accept that not every masters swimmer will swim in a meet. There are a multitude of reasons/excuses, but forcing everyone to compete would simply eliminate a healthy percentage from particiapting at all. Are there any concrete numbers as to: * The total number of registered swimmers with USMS * The total number of USMS swimmers who swim at least 1 meet a year * The number who swims at 1 or more national events a year? Looking back on my team's example, which I don't know if it is representative: * ~ 175 * ~ 40, 've heard of teams that force everyone to compete in meets. I would either find another team or swim outside of USMS all together if this were forced on me, as would the majority (75%) of my team's members. Those swimmers who do swim in meets, at least on my team, are in the minority. I don't see anything wrong with that. Masters swimming should be open and inclusive to all, and some of the comments earlier on this thread produce just the opposite effect.

There are regional competitions and a specific "natural" class..oddly the natural class is typically won by some significantly bigger, more ripped, bodybuilder than the rest of the field. They all test clean... I used to compete in the NGA organization. For the most part the amateur competitors seemed to be on the up & up. I think the heaviest competitor weighed about 195. I competed around 172-180 over a 5 year span. That's not to say there weren't ways around the testing system, but a fella would have to be in really bad self esteem mode to juice up just to compete against non-juicers. There were some "professionals" who looked like they may have juiced in the past, but even they wouldn't get much above 220. Then there's the NPC, with the most juiciest, "genetically gifted" competitors around :rofl:

Be careful not to lean too far over the pool, Narcissus, or you might false start. Wha??? Someone did not read my first post on this thread about all of us (including me) not being too full of ourselves and then quoting only half of what I wrote on the second post. I did mention that many (not me) are self-actualized and don't care about competition or have nothing left to prove. If there is something on the second post that is untrue please enlighten me (oversimplified, and too harsh, but I do not think too far from the truth). Please no more Yoda, I haven't graduated to that level of philosophy and find it difficult to understand. Admittedly I'm a bomb thrower on this forum but am generally a nice person...really. Narcissistic? I have a face only my mother would love. :smooch: "So you have no frame of reference here, Donny. You're like a child who wanders into the middle of a movie and wants to know... "

What does it say about a sport that has to have a "clean" division? Like part of the "clean and jerk"? Do they go hand in hand?

Then there are the chickensh*ts who are afraid to compete. Within this group are 2 subgroups--c.s. because they have not put in x amount of yardage in preparation and c.s because they truly suck (both of which are simply afraid of perceived failure) OK, this wasn't real diplomatic, but I think I see where you're coming from. The first subgroup are accomplished swimmers who know--or at least think they haven't--put in the commitment in order to swim fast enough to avoid embarrassing themselves. The second subgroup has never swum competitvely and are nervous to make that leap. How many threads in this forum have been from novice swimmers asking whether they are good enough to compete? As Kurt said, both these groups are afraid of perceived failure and that's the main thing keeping them from competing.

I just don't get why anyone would join USMS, join a team, pay for a coach and then not compete. I'll admit meets can be boring but if you sit with friends, it can be a great mini vacation from work-a-day life. A meet is the test of your training and coaching. I can't think of a single other sport where you get coaching and then decide against real competition.

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 really prefer the hot tube...A hot tube of what??? :doh:

Considerably more ecumenical views on Masters swimmers were posted on this thread. forums.usms.org/showthread.php Regards, VB

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. Unless you play by yourself, it is physically impossible to play golf or tennis and not compete. Golf is a competition every round, in your foursome. How can you play tennis and not compete? You may not be in a formal tourney but you play against others in every single outing.