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:
Parents
Former Member
Distance swimmers could make this set going on a 1:00 interval. My splits on my best 500y free were best 50 time + 5 seconds. During that era in my career was common to make that set going on a :45 interval. Better endurance? Maybe; but definitely no speed.
Sometimes people with poor technique prefer to swim longer distances because sub-optimal streamlining increases resistance more than increased power can overcome.
Typically when we get new members on our club they will sign up for 50's and the rare 100. There is a big difference between being able to swim a 200 and being able to race a 200.
Even experienced and skilled masters have life phases where you aren't able to give swimming the priority you would like. Working overtime/travel, relationship+family responsibilities, health setbacks, pool availability.
The nice thing about USMS is that you do not have to be an elite swimmer at the top of your game to enjoy participating.
Distance swimmers could make this set going on a 1:00 interval. My splits on my best 500y free were best 50 time + 5 seconds. During that era in my career was common to make that set going on a :45 interval. Better endurance? Maybe; but definitely no speed.
Sometimes people with poor technique prefer to swim longer distances because sub-optimal streamlining increases resistance more than increased power can overcome.
Typically when we get new members on our club they will sign up for 50's and the rare 100. There is a big difference between being able to swim a 200 and being able to race a 200.
Even experienced and skilled masters have life phases where you aren't able to give swimming the priority you would like. Working overtime/travel, relationship+family responsibilities, health setbacks, pool availability.
The nice thing about USMS is that you do not have to be an elite swimmer at the top of your game to enjoy participating.
