Yet...... another comment on "elitism" in masters swimming. This ongoing battle of two imaginary groups....... the selfish former elite swimmers and the non elite counter parts.
Yes..... The Evil Smith and I have taken great pleasure throughout the last decade trying to secretly split USMS into these two groups. Our efforts to perpetuate this divide and fuel our intolerance for "learners" is now being undermined..... :-)
One Big Happy Family: Marcinkowski’s Masters
reachforthewall.com/.../
"Butcher, Zerkle and others say numbers have soared because Marcinkowski has tried to strip the elitism from masters swimming, often thought to be populated with former competitive stars who have little tolerance for learners."
Chris:
Masters swimming is intimidating to those who pick it up as adults. Generally even the slow lanes swim fast compared to a typical lap swimmer, and the workouts are hard if you aren't used to them. Throw in the jargon too, which can be confusing, plus the fact that the regulars all know each other. And have green hair.
With such barriers, it doesn't take much to come off as unfriendly to newbies. Just showing up and minding your own business -- ie, trying to get in a good workout, or a coach who is preoccupied with getting everyone else going -- may be enough to come off that way. It takes special effort to bridge that gap.
I started from absolutely zero four years ago and you are right it is intimidating. But I'm grateful it was/is not "dumbed" down, because I wanted the challenge. If I didn't walk into the pool and see crazy IM sets and fast swimming I might have looked for something else to do. You are right, it takes special effort to bridge the gap.
Chris:
Masters swimming is intimidating to those who pick it up as adults. Generally even the slow lanes swim fast compared to a typical lap swimmer, and the workouts are hard if you aren't used to them. Throw in the jargon too, which can be confusing, plus the fact that the regulars all know each other. And have green hair.
With such barriers, it doesn't take much to come off as unfriendly to newbies. Just showing up and minding your own business -- ie, trying to get in a good workout, or a coach who is preoccupied with getting everyone else going -- may be enough to come off that way. It takes special effort to bridge that gap.
I started from absolutely zero four years ago and you are right it is intimidating. But I'm grateful it was/is not "dumbed" down, because I wanted the challenge. If I didn't walk into the pool and see crazy IM sets and fast swimming I might have looked for something else to do. You are right, it takes special effort to bridge the gap.
