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
Lee, one thing you might not realize is this topic has been rehashed over and over again for about the last two or more years on this forum. People had good arguments both for and against the suits, but I think at this point most of realize the die has been cast and we just want to move on. So if some people seem to be a little snippy about this that's one reason why.
Lee, one thing you might not realize is this topic has been rehashed over and over again for about the last two or more years on this forum.
Alas, however, the masters swimming community did not have input on this question from anyone with real swimming skillz, and had to settle for the opinions of noodlers like Chris Stevenson, Jeff Commings, Erik Hochstein, and The Fortress.
Lee, one thing you might not realize is this topic has been rehashed over and over again for about the last two or more years on this forum. People had good arguments both for and against the suits, but I think at this point most of realize the die has been cast and we just want to move on. So if some people seem to be a little snippy about this that's one reason why.
Agreed. I was one of those in favor of keeping coverage, even if it were farmer john style suits. The ruling bodies made their decision. Time to move on.
Wow: Actually, I feel worse for you guys getting beaten by a fat guy! I can say that with authority; swimming right at a minute for the 100 breaststroke in my late '40's and getting beaten exactly three times in 7 events at 3 SCY Nationals (2 times after spinal surgery in '05), 5 national and 2 world records, as well as beating Roque Santos in the 100 *** at Pac Masters SCY 12 years his senior (though I was tapered and he wasn't). So, after 2 spinal surgeries, a little weight gain to augment an already prodigious body, I guess I'll just have to swim a meet this year at the age of 54 (which I was planning on doing any way).
Can I get you to autograph my swim cap?
Alas, however, the masters swimming community did not have input on this question from anyone with real swimming skillz, and had to settle for the opinions of noodlers like Chris Stevenson, Jeff Commings, Erik Hochstein, and The Fortress.
I do hope your comments toward the aboved mention are a joke.
Train in what you want. If you are required to wear an approved suit in your races wear one. If you need a modesty panel and they allow you to, wear one wear it. The modesty panel in most suits is not a speed enhancer. You can actually buy a FINA appproved suit at a resonable price. Of course some approved swimwear is very expensive.
