Open the Masters Records?

I contend that this would decrease interest in the 25-29 and 30-34 age groups. If I were 30 years old and a fairly good swimmer, I would lose any desire to even check the record books, knowing that Lezak's 47.8 is the Masters world record. And I would lose any desire to compete, that is, if my goal were to chase world records. I wouldn't mind in the least if Jason, Dara, Cesar, Aaron or any other Olympian over 25 showed up at a Masters meet and broke world records. Dara did it at the 2006 worlds, and everyone was thrilled to see her. Gary Hall showed up with the Race Club in 2004 and the meet stopped to watch them swim the 100 free. Masters world records are called "Masters" world records for a reason. They must be done by registered Masters swimmers in sanctioned Masters meets. I know USMS records can be set anywhere at any meet, so if no one minds, then by all means, let Jason Lezak's 47.8 count as a national record. But the swimmer should be a registered Masters swimmer.

I contend that this would decrease interest in the 25-29 and 30-34 age groups. If I were 30 years old and a fairly good swimmer, I would lose any desire to even check the record books, knowing that Lezak's 47.8 is the Masters world record. And I would lose any desire to compete, that is, if my goal were to chase world records. I wouldn't mind in the least if Jason, Dara, Cesar, Aaron or any other Olympian over 25 showed up at a Masters meet and broke world records. Dara did it at the 2006 worlds, and everyone was thrilled to see her. Gary Hall showed up with the Race Club in 2004 and the meet stopped to watch them swim the 100 free. Masters world records are called "Masters" world records for a reason. They must be done by registered Masters swimmers in sanctioned Masters meets. I know USMS records can be set anywhere at any meet, so if no one minds, then by all means, let Jason Lezak's 47.8 count as a national record. But the swimmer should be a registered Masters swimmer.