Swimming World has a list every year of the top Masters Swimmers,which we have argued about.But who is the best?An impossible question but fun to speculate on
.On the Women's side it is obviously Laura Val,no it's KPN,no it's SVDL(those last 2 are so great they don't need names,just initials.)what about that Torres woman,I'd count her out,not because she is hardly a Masters Swimmer anymore,but because she is too one dimensional(50 and 100 free only,please:rofl:)
On the mens side it is obviously Rich Abrahams,except he may not be even the best in his age group(Bob Strand?) and Strand may not even be the best breaststroker(Tim Shead,Jeff Commings,etc.?) And what about Dennis Baker and all those Smiths?
My vote Women-Laura Val-she is great at so many things,has been for years,and I know her and she is really nice.
Men-Bob Strand-he also has been great for a long time and is my friend and nemesis.
What is your vote?
Former Member
If you're talking all time greats, you can't overlook Ron Johnson. The guy is amazing on so many levels: MULTIPLE World Record Holder in MULTIPLE age groups,MULTIPLE events. Head Coach of ASU and made them top contenders at NCAA; Mexican Olympic Coach; inventor of various swimming "tools"; and the most passionate and knowledgable swimmer I've ever met.
Ron Johnson. The man rocks.
You had me nervous when I first saw the title! Every year we put out the World Masters list, I almost don't even want to come on here *grin* Someone is always snubbed, just like the NCAA Tournament for basketball!
Looking forward to some of the great conversations to be had in this thread.
Gee, thanks, Allen. You have now made it impossible for Bob to enter a room through a normal door, due to swollen head syndrome.
In all seriousness, everyone should try to get to Atlanta this September for his induction to the IMSHOF. I am sure there is nothing he would like more than to see gobs of people applauding his successes and honor.
Agree with the Women - but not with the Men. I think a good test is to see how long the records survive. I have to go with Rich Abrahams and Jim McConica - their times in the past 10 years for the most part hold up against the new swimmers in those age-groups.
Both Bob Strand and Jim McConica are being inducted into the Hall of Fame this Sept. I think between them they have set about 100 world records and 150 USMS records in their careers.
