Well, I'm coming back to swim at Master's meets after a 5 year hiatus (surgeries, etc) and find that I cannot wear my "Farmer John" suit bought in 2000 and worn in 4 previous national meets (except this spring). Not a "tech" suit by any means but a hell of a beer-gut bra! Not sure I would get on the blocks without it so the hiatus may continue. Is it worth alienating us "plus-sized" guys over this silly rule? I suppose it will give me yet another reason to dump some weight. Looks like those other 50+ breaststrokers won't get beat by this fat guy any time soon.
Anyone else out there feel the same? I know most of you out there don't have this problem but to have a rule that reduces participation seems counterproductive.
Lee Rider
Fort Bragg, CA
Parents
Former Member
It sounds like you don't want to draw attention to yourself. That's understandable. If you swim in a jammer or speedo, you'll feel uncomfortable. If you swim in your farmer john, you'll feel better, swim faster, but be DQ-ed. This might draw attention to you as well, especially if the ref comes over to your lane to tell you about the rules, to which you reply, "I know. Look, it's a long story, and I have put much thought into it, I'll spare you the details, so let's just start the race."
If I were in your shoes, I guess I would just keep training until you feel comfortable on the blocks.
It sounds like you don't want to draw attention to yourself. That's understandable. If you swim in a jammer or speedo, you'll feel uncomfortable. If you swim in your farmer john, you'll feel better, swim faster, but be DQ-ed. This might draw attention to you as well, especially if the ref comes over to your lane to tell you about the rules, to which you reply, "I know. Look, it's a long story, and I have put much thought into it, I'll spare you the details, so let's just start the race."
If I were in your shoes, I guess I would just keep training until you feel comfortable on the blocks.
