An honest dilemma in the sport! It was brought to my attention by a less than happy coach, that at a world age group championship, their athlete was beaten by one Michellie Jones. As we all know Michellie was one of this sports great champions, winning both short course and Kona World Champs. What is not known is I have watched her from her early days to her climb into a world beater, and while we both have been on opposite sides of the fence, I dont think as an athlete I respect any one outside of my personal team more. She was not handed anything on a platter. She worked and thought her way to the top and then stayed there for many many years. Brett Sutton has been a little cruel to her legacy, as her record would have been even more stratospheric if it had not been for our squad. But I digress, as the dilemma her competing against the mere mortals threw up a number of emotions, so much so after my initial reaction, stated to the coach, Michellie Jones can be pleased that she again caused me a sleep less night. I was for once doubting my initial gut feel, why was it unfair to race like all others her age? Just because she was a superstar, is the answer a personal one, or should it be addressed by the authorities, by handing out 2 medals? All a bit much, or is it a personal decision for each individual? I personally wouldnt feel right doing it, while others sit and watch the clock tick over knowing as they get older, they become more competitive in a new older age group. I know in swimming there were two schools of thought brought home to me by a former Olympic Champion. He swam each day only for fitness. He would dive in and steal 20 minutes some days from his busy schedule, on others he would do 30 minutes. Nothing like any training. His swim club had a huge masters program, but he declined to partake in the race or training, but each year on the day of the masters worlds, Id see him mount the blocks at the pool and belt out a 50m timing himself with a wrist watch no fanfare, no one watching, just bam, and that was it nothing said. I asked one day, you never swim fast, but now thats the 2nd year Ive seen you do that, why? He replied, I was just racing the Aussie masters which I remember saying, but thats in Melbourne, to which he laughed and said my swimming was never about winning against others it was me testing myself. It was personal, and I couldnt think of anything worse than being on the dais at such an event. But off handedly as I left he said, we both know Im still the man. I had seen the 50m, and it was incredible at his age. I didnt have to look the times up, he was indeed still the man. I had another good friend my age who was a brilliant butterfly swimmer, one of the few to take out Mark Spitz in his prime, over 50m fly. Every 3 or 4 years he goes to the masters and rips out a 50m fly that on his 45th birthday would have put him close to the Aussie main game final. He too had a similar take in another way. Why do you race those poor bastards, you know how good you are? Sutto, you just got to let them know where their place really is. Some of them age groupers got egos nearly as big as mine. A reality check doesnt do them any harm believe me! Yes, this is a very sensitive issue. Where do the greats go to ply their love of the sport? If like Michellie it has been their life, and dont want to do anything different and truly loves the sport, should we restrict the elite from doing what they love just because of their ability level? Unlike most decisions I make in this sport, it is not black and white to me. I cant come to a conclusion that satisfies me, other than the cop out. It is a very individual decision. What is your take on it? After some more reflection I cant see the harm whether they love to race, or show those of their age group who the best really is. What your thoughts? The doc
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 15:20:56 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015