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.
On our team I know NQTs kept one swimmer away who didn't have any times. However, allowing three swims encouraged two of my teammates to attend who did not have QTs. They were easily the most vibrant and excited of our 30 member team. I agree that reducing it to 2 or 1 events would essentially elminate those wihout QTs from attending, for the most part. I believe 3 is a nice balance and a good goal for improvement. Limiting it would serverly imperil the mission of USMS and make it look quite elitist if our annual biggest event was for the elite only.
The acceptance that this meet will just be a massive event with some massive event issues goes a long way towards the enjoyment of it. You cannot expect a meet of this size or stature to be the intimate setting of a one-day meet in your home pool.
On our team I know NQTs kept one swimmer away who didn't have any times. However, allowing three swims encouraged two of my teammates to attend who did not have QTs. They were easily the most vibrant and excited of our 30 member team. I agree that reducing it to 2 or 1 events would essentially elminate those wihout QTs from attending, for the most part. I believe 3 is a nice balance and a good goal for improvement. Limiting it would serverly imperil the mission of USMS and make it look quite elitist if our annual biggest event was for the elite only.
The acceptance that this meet will just be a massive event with some massive event issues goes a long way towards the enjoyment of it. You cannot expect a meet of this size or stature to be the intimate setting of a one-day meet in your home pool.
