“Michael’s vision is to increase swimming in the US"
Former Member
Ok - Phelps is at the top of his career and his popularity - How could he (or anybody else working with him) help to improve swimming in the United States ?
What do we need - grassroot swimcamps ? A Michael Phelps US swimming tour ? Phelps racing various people around the country ?
Can we get 5000 people into a pool + TV coverage for a Lochte + Peirsol vs Phelps showdown ? I am certain Track and Field will have some big money races in Europe following the Olympis. How much would somebody pay to have Phelps race Cavic in 3 weeks ?
Former Member
So I started swimming laps this year a couple months before the olympics.. I didn't know who Phelps was.. I wanted to run but keep injuring my foot (Plantar Fasciitis) so I started swimming on non-weight days. I have always loved the water... Hit the net hard trying to improve my strokes and just sort of played in the lap pool.
After seeing swimming in the olympics this year, I am reinvigorated. Hit my first masters class (the gym I belong to has an unoffcial "masters" swim group two days a week) just yesterday and I will probably be joining the local masters group for meets. So I think that is in part inspired by the olympics.
Lots of talk about Phelps at work and at the gym in the hot tub after swimming from some of the folks just lounging around.. So interest is up.
So I started swimming laps this year a couple months before the olympics.. I didn't know who Phelps was.. I wanted to run but keep injuring my foot (Plantar Fasciitis) so I started swimming on non-weight days. I have always loved the water... Hit the net hard trying to improve my strokes and just sort of played in the lap pool.
After seeing swimming in the olympics this year, I am reinvigorated. Hit my first masters class (the gym I belong to has an unoffcial "masters" swim group two days a week) just yesterday and I will probably be joining the local masters group for meets. So I think that is in part inspired by the olympics.
Lots of talk about Phelps at work and at the gym in the hot tub after swimming from some of the folks just lounging around.. So interest is up.
:woot:
That's a good thing.
true or false, phelps got lucky to win over 6? 8.... that was something else
False. I will refer to the quote in your signature:
"The clock does not lie"
Here is something to think about when "selling" swimming to the adult fitness community.
*You are never too old to start.
*No pressure from anybody else.
*Swimming is a lifetime sport that you can participate in at any age.
*Our high-tech weapons are an order of magnitude less expensive than triathlon!
*Non-impact sport.
*The health benefits are tremendous.
*You have a chance to meet other fitness-conscious people.
Most important
*Masters swimming is fun!
There are tons of activities for kids, but adults seem to lack similar opportunities. Why should kids have all the fun ;-)
I wonder if Rob Butcher could get a couple of the US swimmers (male and female) to do PSAs on behalf of USMS...
