Why does it appear many masters swimmers are taking USMS so seriously?
What's the difference between the typical "selfish train all day", "it's all about me" triathlete and a masters swimmer who seriously trains as hard as they can.... particularly to focus on setting masters records?
Seems like there is a growing parallel between triathletes and many masters swimmers these days.
Isn't it just "masters swimming" for health and fun in the end?
Does a masters record really mean that much?
Is this a good thing? ..... or a turn off for those who look on with amusement.
I was just thinking about this before you posted it, Paul. It seems like in swimming there's been this culture that you shouldn't show too much interest in the sport. Not just your own swimming, but swimming in general. You're not really supposed to idolize other swimmers or study results for big meets too much or other swimmers will mock you.
I don't know what swimming culture you guys grew up in ... our coaches actively encouraged us to idolize and copy (with our weak imitations) the likes of Goodell & Salnikov (we were aspiring d-guys), as well as the regional and state-wide "heroes" who we could learn from. Pursuing, admiring & learning from excellence is always a good thing, IMHO. Call me a swim-nerd, but I find this sport wonderful to cheer about, study and obsess about ... AT ANY AGE.
I was just thinking about this before you posted it, Paul. It seems like in swimming there's been this culture that you shouldn't show too much interest in the sport. Not just your own swimming, but swimming in general. You're not really supposed to idolize other swimmers or study results for big meets too much or other swimmers will mock you.
I don't know what swimming culture you guys grew up in ... our coaches actively encouraged us to idolize and copy (with our weak imitations) the likes of Goodell & Salnikov (we were aspiring d-guys), as well as the regional and state-wide "heroes" who we could learn from. Pursuing, admiring & learning from excellence is always a good thing, IMHO. Call me a swim-nerd, but I find this sport wonderful to cheer about, study and obsess about ... AT ANY AGE.
