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.
Jeff,
On the topic of host teams not making any money, why is Nationals so cheap? If Nationals costs $50 or $200, it has very little impact on my decision to swim.
Almost every aspect of my trip to Nationals cost more than the entry fee when taken individually (getting to ATL, get home from ATL, parking at hotel, parking at pool, food, each night at the hotel) all cost more than the entry fee.
As for not having advanced notice of participation, open registration earlier and provide an incentive to make the decision sooner. $10 isn't much of an incentive.
Excellent points, Q. If I subtract out the two t-shirts and parking pass (another great thing about the meet, btw) I swam in one of the world's best pools for 4 days for under $100. You can't beat that with a stick. I realize you don't want the meet fee to be an impediment to participation.
I did bring home my meet program, a.k.a the Encyclopedia Brittanica volumes 1-7, for the recycling bin.
Oh, and whoever thought of putting those large jugs of swimmer body wash and shampoo in the showers should be given some sort of prize. That company now has my business for life, great products.
Jeff,
On the topic of host teams not making any money, why is Nationals so cheap? If Nationals costs $50 or $200, it has very little impact on my decision to swim.
Almost every aspect of my trip to Nationals cost more than the entry fee when taken individually (getting to ATL, get home from ATL, parking at hotel, parking at pool, food, each night at the hotel) all cost more than the entry fee.
As for not having advanced notice of participation, open registration earlier and provide an incentive to make the decision sooner. $10 isn't much of an incentive.
Excellent points, Q. If I subtract out the two t-shirts and parking pass (another great thing about the meet, btw) I swam in one of the world's best pools for 4 days for under $100. You can't beat that with a stick. I realize you don't want the meet fee to be an impediment to participation.
I did bring home my meet program, a.k.a the Encyclopedia Brittanica volumes 1-7, for the recycling bin.
Oh, and whoever thought of putting those large jugs of swimmer body wash and shampoo in the showers should be given some sort of prize. That company now has my business for life, great products.
