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."
Lots of people I know like the idea of a "master's team" but when it comes down to swimming FREQUENTLY enough to be able to survive a proper workout they just can't cut it. I think that's why many people turn to open lap swim where they control their own distance and pace.
In the winter our team has all 8 lanes for 1 hour. There is always 1 lane where members can lap swim if they want. It's a little crazier in the summer; we usually only have 3 or 4 lanes. Somehow no matter how crowded it is in the the wall lane turns into a lap lane and the "proper workout" group is squeezed into 2 lanes. (although it is 50 meters)
Most of the 'lap" people never swim in meets but they are great participants in other aspects of the club. (fund raising, partying, having fun) :angel:
Lots of people I know like the idea of a "master's team" but when it comes down to swimming FREQUENTLY enough to be able to survive a proper workout they just can't cut it. I think that's why many people turn to open lap swim where they control their own distance and pace.
In the winter our team has all 8 lanes for 1 hour. There is always 1 lane where members can lap swim if they want. It's a little crazier in the summer; we usually only have 3 or 4 lanes. Somehow no matter how crowded it is in the the wall lane turns into a lap lane and the "proper workout" group is squeezed into 2 lanes. (although it is 50 meters)
Most of the 'lap" people never swim in meets but they are great participants in other aspects of the club. (fund raising, partying, having fun) :angel:
