On the Swim Rant thread, I suggested “If you want to be surrounded by happy swimmers try the “Swim Kumbaya” thread.” It was mentioned on a lark, but on further review, Masters Swimming has been so tremendously uplifting to me that it makes sense to share some of these…
So my first Swim Kumbaya goes out to Mike Heather – a friend (and fellow wide body) I’ve met through swimming who continues to challenge me to be my best in the pool and in volunteerism to Masters Swimming.
Kumbaya Dude:D
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Well this is a wonderful idea for a thread!
It's so easy to rant in this world. And that's not limited to the swimming world.
My kudo goes to my high school swim coach, Don Bardo, Bridgewater NJ. I had never done organized swimming. But in my freshman year I deciced to give the swim team a try. I could swim well enough not to drown. I had earned swimming and lifesaving merit badges in Boy Scouts...
So I tried out. You had to make the team, and the criterion was being able to swim 50 free (SCY) in 32 secs or better. I did 33.5. But he had one more slot on the team, and I had the best time of those who got cut, so he took a chance on me.
I was a veritable guppy on the team my first year. Amoeba. Driftwood. Started getting some technique and strength in my sophomore year, and actually earned some points in some meets (but not enough to earn a varsity letter.) Made varsity in my Junior year, and was the #1 sprinter in my senior year, qualifying for the state meet. I've been a fitness swimmer for years.
Coach Bardo's decision 40 years ago made a life-changing difference for me. Had he not taken me that first year, I would just be a floater today. Manatee. Probably very overweight and unhealthy. I wouldn't know what I was missing. But today I definitely know what I would have missed.
Thanks, Coach, wherever you are.
Well this is a wonderful idea for a thread!
It's so easy to rant in this world. And that's not limited to the swimming world.
My kudo goes to my high school swim coach, Don Bardo, Bridgewater NJ. I had never done organized swimming. But in my freshman year I deciced to give the swim team a try. I could swim well enough not to drown. I had earned swimming and lifesaving merit badges in Boy Scouts...
So I tried out. You had to make the team, and the criterion was being able to swim 50 free (SCY) in 32 secs or better. I did 33.5. But he had one more slot on the team, and I had the best time of those who got cut, so he took a chance on me.
I was a veritable guppy on the team my first year. Amoeba. Driftwood. Started getting some technique and strength in my sophomore year, and actually earned some points in some meets (but not enough to earn a varsity letter.) Made varsity in my Junior year, and was the #1 sprinter in my senior year, qualifying for the state meet. I've been a fitness swimmer for years.
Coach Bardo's decision 40 years ago made a life-changing difference for me. Had he not taken me that first year, I would just be a floater today. Manatee. Probably very overweight and unhealthy. I wouldn't know what I was missing. But today I definitely know what I would have missed.
Thanks, Coach, wherever you are.
