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
The comment "the bottom line is that swimming is simply not the sport of choice for those who are ashamed of their bodies" is really repugnant.
Why? It is simply an observation that such people generally tend not to be the ones who wear form-fitting competition suits by choice. They may prefer sports like running, where you are fully clothed. I have no opinion on whether this is a good or bad thing; it is a personal preference, not a moral issue.
I've seen plenty of fast overweight people. I am neither more nor less impressed by them (or you) than any other fast person.
By the way, I do not equate "being ashamed of your body" with "being overweight." They are not the same, and plenty of overweight people have no problem wearing jammers or briefs. I have also seen plenty of skinny people who are nevertheless very self-conscious of their body.
The comment "the bottom line is that swimming is simply not the sport of choice for those who are ashamed of their bodies" is really repugnant.
Why? It is simply an observation that such people generally tend not to be the ones who wear form-fitting competition suits by choice. They may prefer sports like running, where you are fully clothed. I have no opinion on whether this is a good or bad thing; it is a personal preference, not a moral issue.
I've seen plenty of fast overweight people. I am neither more nor less impressed by them (or you) than any other fast person.
By the way, I do not equate "being ashamed of your body" with "being overweight." They are not the same, and plenty of overweight people have no problem wearing jammers or briefs. I have also seen plenty of skinny people who are nevertheless very self-conscious of their body.
