Let me first say that I had a blast in Atlanta and enjoyed every minute of it (even the last minute of the 1000), so this list is somewhat tongue in cheek:
10. No Starbucks within walking distance of the Hampton Inn.
9. The taste of an Italian soda called "Beverly" at the Coca Cola Museum; it reminded me of viscous lidocaine--what is with that?
8. The stairway access to the pool deck from the stands.
7. Missing out on a medal in the 200 free relay because eight of the teams finishing ahead of us were from "regional" clubs representing entire states.
6. Two swimmers from TXLA trying to recruit my 87 year old father to join their team instead of swimming for Nitro.
5. No Starbucks within walkiing distance of the pool.
4. Turning at the bulkhead, although I nailed all of mine.
3. That one starter who shall remain nameless.
2. Not getting to meet Rich Abrahams, among others.
1. It ended.
Now that you asked, I'll give my opinion. For me, warm ups were terrifying. Being a small not quite eligible for Medicare sort of female swimmer who is slower than most, but not really that slow, warm ups were combat for me. My warm ups consisted of sprint 25's, at the end of which I would pull off and let everyone pass until I could find an opening for another sprint 25.
That being said, I was pulled under by the foot only so that some hot shot could beat me to the wall for his hot shot flip turn. In the process I was shoved me into the lane line, evidenced by the scrapes and bruises on my right side. I have been kicked in tender places, as well as not-so-tender places evidenced by more bruises.
I vote that we designate a couple of hot shot lanes, a couple of fast lanes, and a couple of not-so-fast lanes for the rest of us because the status quo is NOT acceptable. Somebody is going to get hurt, or worse if this is not addressed!
Don't get me wrong. I understand the frustration that the really fast swimmers both male and female must experience swimming in a lane with the likes of me, but I really try to be considerate of them, and I deserve the same.
Nationals belong to everyone, not just the young and fast.
Now that you asked, I'll give my opinion. For me, warm ups were terrifying. Being a small not quite eligible for Medicare sort of female swimmer who is slower than most, but not really that slow, warm ups were combat for me. My warm ups consisted of sprint 25's, at the end of which I would pull off and let everyone pass until I could find an opening for another sprint 25.
That being said, I was pulled under by the foot only so that some hot shot could beat me to the wall for his hot shot flip turn. In the process I was shoved me into the lane line, evidenced by the scrapes and bruises on my right side. I have been kicked in tender places, as well as not-so-tender places evidenced by more bruises.
I vote that we designate a couple of hot shot lanes, a couple of fast lanes, and a couple of not-so-fast lanes for the rest of us because the status quo is NOT acceptable. Somebody is going to get hurt, or worse if this is not addressed!
Don't get me wrong. I understand the frustration that the really fast swimmers both male and female must experience swimming in a lane with the likes of me, but I really try to be considerate of them, and I deserve the same.
Nationals belong to everyone, not just the young and fast.
