Is it my imagination or is the smarter gender under represented in masters swimming. I would like to get some real numbers to confirm my observations. Forumites like Rick Osterberg, can you give some data about the ratio of men to women at USMS meets? Perhaps we could break it down by age group (I can hear the CPUs humming at Chris Stevenson's place all the way from up here in Mass).
If women are under represented, then I would like to discuss the causes of the imbalance and begin to work on improving the ratio.
I'm also inclined to believe that parenthood has a lot to do with it. Several teammates and colleagues of mine have significantly cut back on their swimming/competing as a result of having kids. It's much easier to push a stroller while running or pull a kid on a bike trailer than to find child care while you're in the pool. Plus it takes longer to get in a swim workout than it does to go on a quick run, ride, or drop in for a fitness class (and fitness centers may have childcare).
Also, in the business world, I've seen research showing how women often wait longer than men to go for stretch jobs because they don't have the self-confidence that they are ready. Perhaps this translates into their thoughts about entering into meets and thinking they're not good enough to compete.
I'm also inclined to believe that parenthood has a lot to do with it. Several teammates and colleagues of mine have significantly cut back on their swimming/competing as a result of having kids. It's much easier to push a stroller while running or pull a kid on a bike trailer than to find child care while you're in the pool. Plus it takes longer to get in a swim workout than it does to go on a quick run, ride, or drop in for a fitness class (and fitness centers may have childcare).
Also, in the business world, I've seen research showing how women often wait longer than men to go for stretch jobs because they don't have the self-confidence that they are ready. Perhaps this translates into their thoughts about entering into meets and thinking they're not good enough to compete.
