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?
Parents
Former Member
For me it was burnout. Training at a high level for years as an age grouper and college swimmer takes its tool on you. Since I was a distance guy it was even more so......LOTS of doubles. The commitment paid off, but you sacrifice a lot. After college it was time to do all those things I didn't get to do cause I was in the pool. For the rest of my 20's I felt like I wasted them just "having fun" and cutting loose....not particularly concentrating on a career at all.
Fast forward to 2 years ago and Beijing. What I saw in the pool really inspired me, Phelps, the relays, all of it. I was bit by the bug again. But now its about being healthy and mainly HAVING FUN! If I'm not having fun then its time to hang them up again. Now with the loss of my job last month I'm looking at doing what I love and making a living in the swimming world......its in the works.
For me it was burnout. Training at a high level for years as an age grouper and college swimmer takes its tool on you. Since I was a distance guy it was even more so......LOTS of doubles. The commitment paid off, but you sacrifice a lot. After college it was time to do all those things I didn't get to do cause I was in the pool. For the rest of my 20's I felt like I wasted them just "having fun" and cutting loose....not particularly concentrating on a career at all.
Fast forward to 2 years ago and Beijing. What I saw in the pool really inspired me, Phelps, the relays, all of it. I was bit by the bug again. But now its about being healthy and mainly HAVING FUN! If I'm not having fun then its time to hang them up again. Now with the loss of my job last month I'm looking at doing what I love and making a living in the swimming world......its in the works.
