I think it was Ande that said "it's not how fast you swim, it's how fast you slow down." I read that a few years ago and keep on coming back to it as I have watched my kids grow in their USA Swimming careers. When kids are around 8-10, many of the races are 50s. Lots of kids can swim relatively fast 50s compared to other kids even when their stroke technique is truly awful. But then once the clock strikes 11 (years old), all of the 50s go away (less one) - and magically many of the kids with bad technique who seemed fast start losing to kids in the 100s and 200s with superior strokes. My question is at what age are we masters swimmers when we start thinking 50 backstroke, 50 butterfly and 50 breaststroke are OK to race again? It is not OK. It brings our sport down to a level where people who train only 100s or less and focus on 25s are taking over our pools. No more I say!!! I think USMS rules should only allow these races for people in their 70s and older. Who is with me?!!!
:worms: :bolt:
Its funny but the 50s (and the 1500/1650) are the events that enable me to entice new masters swimmers to join their team-mates at masters swim meets.
For most of these new swimmers it has nothing to do with speed, but all to do with fun and participation.
Usually the triathletes think the 50 is a waste of time, but will swim it along with the mile if it happens to fall on the same day. They're often surprised at how much they like it - and how fast they can actually sprint.
Its funny but the 50s (and the 1500/1650) are the events that enable me to entice new masters swimmers to join their team-mates at masters swim meets.
For most of these new swimmers it has nothing to do with speed, but all to do with fun and participation.
Usually the triathletes think the 50 is a waste of time, but will swim it along with the mile if it happens to fall on the same day. They're often surprised at how much they like it - and how fast they can actually sprint.
