It's been cool for me over the last few years seeing and competing against a number of guys from both my age group and collegiate days. However, when I think back to my college team, in particular, I'm struck by how many guys are NOT back swimming and competing in Masters. I realize this is probably the wrong audience to ask (since we're back in the pool), but, since for me swimming & competing go hand in hand and I love swimming, I'm still puzzled why more people don't come back to the sport and to racing?
for me it had to do with lack of knowledge of masters swimming.
I graduated in 99, moved to dallas for nearly 2 yrs before moving to sweden, and it was not until 2006 I learned about masters and that there was a team in the area.
only 3-4 of my former teammates are swimming today.
what I notice at our nationals is the age groups with the most and least number of participants and it reflects the qualifying times not just for Worlds, but I think for USMS as well.
nearly no one under 29,
30-39 people starting to come back, but not many because they are still spending time creating a family or carrier.
40-54 is the largest group mostly because they have their family, have been working for a while
55-64 not as large but almost alway 3 in each event
65+ starts to get smaller, either people are dying young, or retire and their spouse wants to travel, or they medically can't swim.
for me it had to do with lack of knowledge of masters swimming.
I graduated in 99, moved to dallas for nearly 2 yrs before moving to sweden, and it was not until 2006 I learned about masters and that there was a team in the area.
only 3-4 of my former teammates are swimming today.
what I notice at our nationals is the age groups with the most and least number of participants and it reflects the qualifying times not just for Worlds, but I think for USMS as well.
nearly no one under 29,
30-39 people starting to come back, but not many because they are still spending time creating a family or carrier.
40-54 is the largest group mostly because they have their family, have been working for a while
55-64 not as large but almost alway 3 in each event
65+ starts to get smaller, either people are dying young, or retire and their spouse wants to travel, or they medically can't swim.
