50s are not real swimming races

Former Member
Former Member
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:
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    I can't remember what the other teams all did but, as you can imagine, it was hilarious to watch. :anim_coffee: Found one on-line. Looks like great fun. YouTube- The Woodlands Masters Swim Meet - Beer Relay
  • 50s will be Olympic events by the 2016 or 2020 Olympics - Other nations do well (so they will support adding the events since someone besides the US usually wins)(and with Brazil doing so well, would not be suprised to see them as an exhibition in 2016). TV likes them - they are quick, viewer friendly events - I dislike it, but do you notice how often in the 400 Free and longer races they cut away for commercials. If it can add content and the opportunity for greater ad revenue, they will be added.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Moody Richard was one of my favorite songs by Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks. I don't know if he or his Hot Licks prefered distance over sprints.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    I think 50s are fine and I like the goggle toss and beer relays too. This is supposed to be for fun afterall.
  • 50s in the Olympics? ....to be followed shortly thereafter by two other swimming-like events. Noodle-ing and Aqua Jogging.You're right. That's not inflammatory at all.
  • USMS FAN: You're gonna make us sprinters mad again, putting 50's just a slot above noodling and aqua-jogging.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    50s will be Olympic events by the 2016 or 2020 Olympics - Other nations do well (so they will support adding the events since someone besides the US usually wins)(and with Brazil doing so well, would not be suprised to see them as an exhibition in 2016). Nnnnnooooooooooo! Say it isn't so! 50s in the Olympics? ....to be followed shortly thereafter by two other swimming-like events. Noodle-ing and Aqua Jogging.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    ..
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    by two other swimming-like events. Noodle-ing and Aqua Jogging ...meaning synchronized swimming. 50's of ***, fly, and back would be a plus for televised swimming. :2cents:
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    I'm not certain that 50s were in the slot above.