The Swimming Thread - Pool/OW
Discussion
Highway Star said:
Sounds great, congrats to her.
I didn't realise that you had to get classified again to swim at world level in para disciplines, why is that? Does the classification system differ to the domestic one in Australia?
Thanks!I didn't realise that you had to get classified again to swim at world level in para disciplines, why is that? Does the classification system differ to the domestic one in Australia?
Classification system is the same, but to ensure all are classified equally, that for international racing is done by World Para Swimming as the sport’s governing body. Note that WPS is separate from FINA.
Any classification by WPS in then used by that athlete for all levels of competition regardless of any classification provided domestically.
No Doha talk?
Not surprising...it was difficult to watch, in the end I relied on the short highlights on the official YouTube channel.
With it being Olympic year seems like a lot of people stayed away or weren't in the best shape. USA missing their big guns. We did ok, pretty anonymous in the relays. Proud got 2nd in the 50 free, Peaty 3rd in the 100 breast and out of the medals in the 50. Nice surprise from Freya Colbert in the 400 IM though.
Think Peaty has his work cut out for him. Looked very tardy on the start and down the first 50 of the 100. Seems to be missing that explosive edge. I think Nick Fink lead the whole way. I don't think it's gold for him in Paris unfortunately. I think I'd take half a bet he doesn't get a medal at all.
Still he doesn't need to. Nothing really left to prove. He's moved the Breaststroke game on so far it's silly. World champion, olympic champion, a clutch of the fastest times ever swum and the ultimate WR that even now seems untouchable. What a legacy. He'd be more than ok to retire into the sunset IMO, which I think he will after Paris. Job well and truly jobbed.
Not surprising...it was difficult to watch, in the end I relied on the short highlights on the official YouTube channel.
With it being Olympic year seems like a lot of people stayed away or weren't in the best shape. USA missing their big guns. We did ok, pretty anonymous in the relays. Proud got 2nd in the 50 free, Peaty 3rd in the 100 breast and out of the medals in the 50. Nice surprise from Freya Colbert in the 400 IM though.
Think Peaty has his work cut out for him. Looked very tardy on the start and down the first 50 of the 100. Seems to be missing that explosive edge. I think Nick Fink lead the whole way. I don't think it's gold for him in Paris unfortunately. I think I'd take half a bet he doesn't get a medal at all.
Still he doesn't need to. Nothing really left to prove. He's moved the Breaststroke game on so far it's silly. World champion, olympic champion, a clutch of the fastest times ever swum and the ultimate WR that even now seems untouchable. What a legacy. He'd be more than ok to retire into the sunset IMO, which I think he will after Paris. Job well and truly jobbed.
I watched what I could from Doha - was ok. Very impressed with Dan Wiffen, excited for his Olympics as have followed his YouTube channel since Commies in Birmingham.
Agree on Peaty - he won't win in Paris - I would say he'll get a bronze behind Qin and Fink. Think the male relays may find it harder than they bargained for in the 4x100 and 4x200.
First Masters comp of the year for me last weekend - only one distance race on offer, a 400 free first thing, so did that and then went nuts and entered 7 more races to see what it feels like swimming tired. Unfortunately we were delayed for 90 minutes on the way down (2.5 hr drive before the delay) and almost missed the 400, so also found out what its like to race with no warm up. Literally parked, ran inside, squeezed on my race suit, swam a single 25m in the warm up pool to gauge the water temp and then was on the blocks, no time to even whirl my arms around to get the blood flowing, let alone stretch. After all that, only a second slower than last year was pretty pleasing.
Was pleased with most of my races, never swam that many events in a day before, but ended up with 3 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze from 8 races and the overall prize in my age group.
Agree on Peaty - he won't win in Paris - I would say he'll get a bronze behind Qin and Fink. Think the male relays may find it harder than they bargained for in the 4x100 and 4x200.
First Masters comp of the year for me last weekend - only one distance race on offer, a 400 free first thing, so did that and then went nuts and entered 7 more races to see what it feels like swimming tired. Unfortunately we were delayed for 90 minutes on the way down (2.5 hr drive before the delay) and almost missed the 400, so also found out what its like to race with no warm up. Literally parked, ran inside, squeezed on my race suit, swam a single 25m in the warm up pool to gauge the water temp and then was on the blocks, no time to even whirl my arms around to get the blood flowing, let alone stretch. After all that, only a second slower than last year was pretty pleasing.
Was pleased with most of my races, never swam that many events in a day before, but ended up with 3 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze from 8 races and the overall prize in my age group.
Highway Star said:
Was pleased with most of my races, never swam that many events in a day before, but ended up with 3 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze from 8 races and the overall prize in my age group.
Pfft, all that time you’ve been wasting warming up and getting prepared - might as well stay in bed a bit longer next time 
But well done - 7 medals from 8 races is going some!
And if anyone is interested in watching more swimming, PBJnr2 is in the World Para Series races in Melbourne Fri, Sat, Sun - live streaming here…
https://youtube.com/@swimmingvictoria9282?si=geb6S...
She’s in the 100BK MC and 100BR MC - start of Fri and Sat respectively - though we are 11 hours ahead which puts it in competition with Getting Back From The Pub viewing…
Highway Star said:
I watched what I could from Doha - was ok. Very impressed with Dan Wiffen, excited for his Olympics as have followed his YouTube channel since Commies in Birmingham.
Agree on Peaty - he won't win in Paris - I would say he'll get a bronze behind Qin and Fink. Think the male relays may find it harder than they bargained for in the 4x100 and 4x200.
First Masters comp of the year for me last weekend - only one distance race on offer, a 400 free first thing, so did that and then went nuts and entered 7 more races to see what it feels like swimming tired. Unfortunately we were delayed for 90 minutes on the way down (2.5 hr drive before the delay) and almost missed the 400, so also found out what its like to race with no warm up. Literally parked, ran inside, squeezed on my race suit, swam a single 25m in the warm up pool to gauge the water temp and then was on the blocks, no time to even whirl my arms around to get the blood flowing, let alone stretch. After all that, only a second slower than last year was pretty pleasing.
Was pleased with most of my races, never swam that many events in a day before, but ended up with 3 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze from 8 races and the overall prize in my age group.
Congrats HS! Agree on Peaty - he won't win in Paris - I would say he'll get a bronze behind Qin and Fink. Think the male relays may find it harder than they bargained for in the 4x100 and 4x200.
First Masters comp of the year for me last weekend - only one distance race on offer, a 400 free first thing, so did that and then went nuts and entered 7 more races to see what it feels like swimming tired. Unfortunately we were delayed for 90 minutes on the way down (2.5 hr drive before the delay) and almost missed the 400, so also found out what its like to race with no warm up. Literally parked, ran inside, squeezed on my race suit, swam a single 25m in the warm up pool to gauge the water temp and then was on the blocks, no time to even whirl my arms around to get the blood flowing, let alone stretch. After all that, only a second slower than last year was pretty pleasing.
Was pleased with most of my races, never swam that many events in a day before, but ended up with 3 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze from 8 races and the overall prize in my age group.
Highway Star said:
I watched what I could from Doha - was ok. Very impressed with Dan Wiffen, excited for his Olympics as have followed his YouTube channel since Commies in Birmingham.
Agree on Peaty - he won't win in Paris - I would say he'll get a bronze behind Qin and Fink. Think the male relays may find it harder than they bargained for in the 4x100 and 4x200.
First Masters comp of the year for me last weekend - only one distance race on offer, a 400 free first thing, so did that and then went nuts and entered 7 more races to see what it feels like swimming tired. Unfortunately we were delayed for 90 minutes on the way down (2.5 hr drive before the delay) and almost missed the 400, so also found out what its like to race with no warm up. Literally parked, ran inside, squeezed on my race suit, swam a single 25m in the warm up pool to gauge the water temp and then was on the blocks, no time to even whirl my arms around to get the blood flowing, let alone stretch. After all that, only a second slower than last year was pretty pleasing.
Was pleased with most of my races, never swam that many events in a day before, but ended up with 3 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze from 8 races and the overall prize in my age group.
Top effort, that's some going. Just for reference, would it be too much to ask your age, age group, events and times please? I'm assuming you're a bloke too?Agree on Peaty - he won't win in Paris - I would say he'll get a bronze behind Qin and Fink. Think the male relays may find it harder than they bargained for in the 4x100 and 4x200.
First Masters comp of the year for me last weekend - only one distance race on offer, a 400 free first thing, so did that and then went nuts and entered 7 more races to see what it feels like swimming tired. Unfortunately we were delayed for 90 minutes on the way down (2.5 hr drive before the delay) and almost missed the 400, so also found out what its like to race with no warm up. Literally parked, ran inside, squeezed on my race suit, swam a single 25m in the warm up pool to gauge the water temp and then was on the blocks, no time to even whirl my arms around to get the blood flowing, let alone stretch. After all that, only a second slower than last year was pretty pleasing.
Was pleased with most of my races, never swam that many events in a day before, but ended up with 3 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze from 8 races and the overall prize in my age group.
Highway Star said:
I watched what I could from Doha - was ok. Very impressed with Dan Wiffen, excited for his Olympics as have followed his YouTube channel since Commies in Birmingham.
Agree on Peaty - he won't win in Paris - I would say he'll get a bronze behind Qin and Fink. Think the male relays may find it harder than they bargained for in the 4x100 and 4x200.
First Masters comp of the year for me last weekend - only one distance race on offer, a 400 free first thing, so did that and then went nuts and entered 7 more races to see what it feels like swimming tired. Unfortunately we were delayed for 90 minutes on the way down (2.5 hr drive before the delay) and almost missed the 400, so also found out what its like to race with no warm up. Literally parked, ran inside, squeezed on my race suit, swam a single 25m in the warm up pool to gauge the water temp and then was on the blocks, no time to even whirl my arms around to get the blood flowing, let alone stretch. After all that, only a second slower than last year was pretty pleasing.
Was pleased with most of my races, never swam that many events in a day before, but ended up with 3 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze from 8 races and the overall prize in my age group.
Millfield?Agree on Peaty - he won't win in Paris - I would say he'll get a bronze behind Qin and Fink. Think the male relays may find it harder than they bargained for in the 4x100 and 4x200.
First Masters comp of the year for me last weekend - only one distance race on offer, a 400 free first thing, so did that and then went nuts and entered 7 more races to see what it feels like swimming tired. Unfortunately we were delayed for 90 minutes on the way down (2.5 hr drive before the delay) and almost missed the 400, so also found out what its like to race with no warm up. Literally parked, ran inside, squeezed on my race suit, swam a single 25m in the warm up pool to gauge the water temp and then was on the blocks, no time to even whirl my arms around to get the blood flowing, let alone stretch. After all that, only a second slower than last year was pretty pleasing.
Was pleased with most of my races, never swam that many events in a day before, but ended up with 3 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze from 8 races and the overall prize in my age group.
I was also racing, only to get a time in the 200fr for british champs.
I arrived a little late aswell, so swam 150m warm up in the swimdown pool, then straight into a 50free as a "warm up" before the 200.
Merp said:
Highway Star said:
I watched what I could from Doha - was ok. Very impressed with Dan Wiffen, excited for his Olympics as have followed his YouTube channel since Commies in Birmingham.
Agree on Peaty - he won't win in Paris - I would say he'll get a bronze behind Qin and Fink. Think the male relays may find it harder than they bargained for in the 4x100 and 4x200.
First Masters comp of the year for me last weekend - only one distance race on offer, a 400 free first thing, so did that and then went nuts and entered 7 more races to see what it feels like swimming tired. Unfortunately we were delayed for 90 minutes on the way down (2.5 hr drive before the delay) and almost missed the 400, so also found out what its like to race with no warm up. Literally parked, ran inside, squeezed on my race suit, swam a single 25m in the warm up pool to gauge the water temp and then was on the blocks, no time to even whirl my arms around to get the blood flowing, let alone stretch. After all that, only a second slower than last year was pretty pleasing.
Was pleased with most of my races, never swam that many events in a day before, but ended up with 3 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze from 8 races and the overall prize in my age group.
Millfield?Agree on Peaty - he won't win in Paris - I would say he'll get a bronze behind Qin and Fink. Think the male relays may find it harder than they bargained for in the 4x100 and 4x200.
First Masters comp of the year for me last weekend - only one distance race on offer, a 400 free first thing, so did that and then went nuts and entered 7 more races to see what it feels like swimming tired. Unfortunately we were delayed for 90 minutes on the way down (2.5 hr drive before the delay) and almost missed the 400, so also found out what its like to race with no warm up. Literally parked, ran inside, squeezed on my race suit, swam a single 25m in the warm up pool to gauge the water temp and then was on the blocks, no time to even whirl my arms around to get the blood flowing, let alone stretch. After all that, only a second slower than last year was pretty pleasing.
Was pleased with most of my races, never swam that many events in a day before, but ended up with 3 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze from 8 races and the overall prize in my age group.
I was also racing, only to get a time in the 200fr for british champs.
I arrived a little late aswell, so swam 150m warm up in the swimdown pool, then straight into a 50free as a "warm up" before the 200.
50 blast as a "throw-away" is the perfect warm up. I used to always make sure I had a throw-away event before my main ones, its the only way to truly blow the weeds out. You never really get chance to do it in the warm ups these days. Or if you do, its so long until you're swimming that it was pointless warming up in the first place!
Edited by Otispunkmeyer on Wednesday 21st February 14:14
Highway Star said:
I watched what I could from Doha - was ok. Very impressed with Dan Wiffen, excited for his Olympics as have followed his YouTube channel since Commies in Birmingham.
Agree on Peaty - he won't win in Paris - I would say he'll get a bronze behind Qin and Fink. Think the male relays may find it harder than they bargained for in the 4x100 and 4x200.
First Masters comp of the year for me last weekend - only one distance race on offer, a 400 free first thing, so did that and then went nuts and entered 7 more races to see what it feels like swimming tired. Unfortunately we were delayed for 90 minutes on the way down (2.5 hr drive before the delay) and almost missed the 400, so also found out what its like to race with no warm up. Literally parked, ran inside, squeezed on my race suit, swam a single 25m in the warm up pool to gauge the water temp and then was on the blocks, no time to even whirl my arms around to get the blood flowing, let alone stretch. After all that, only a second slower than last year was pretty pleasing.
Was pleased with most of my races, never swam that many events in a day before, but ended up with 3 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze from 8 races and the overall prize in my age group.
Real chance he won't get a medal IMO and I think if that happens he'll be mega disappointed. A medal of any colour though and I think that'll be his "that'll do pig" moment. That would be the ideal end I think.Agree on Peaty - he won't win in Paris - I would say he'll get a bronze behind Qin and Fink. Think the male relays may find it harder than they bargained for in the 4x100 and 4x200.
First Masters comp of the year for me last weekend - only one distance race on offer, a 400 free first thing, so did that and then went nuts and entered 7 more races to see what it feels like swimming tired. Unfortunately we were delayed for 90 minutes on the way down (2.5 hr drive before the delay) and almost missed the 400, so also found out what its like to race with no warm up. Literally parked, ran inside, squeezed on my race suit, swam a single 25m in the warm up pool to gauge the water temp and then was on the blocks, no time to even whirl my arms around to get the blood flowing, let alone stretch. After all that, only a second slower than last year was pretty pleasing.
Was pleased with most of my races, never swam that many events in a day before, but ended up with 3 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze from 8 races and the overall prize in my age group.
Well done on your races. I might look at getting back to racing soon. Currently doing silly things like marathon training, but when that is done I might shift the focus back. The problem we've got is I can only really make 2 club sessions a week. One of them is a 2-hour with the age groupers so we do what they do, which isn't necessarily whats best for us. They have several sessions a week and are following a plan, we're only ducking into that once a week so I don't think they're quite as beneficial as thought.
The only other session I can make now has a "coach" who writes the most turgid blocks of "just some swimming" I think I've ever seen. And he does a lot of copy-pasta from the set I swim with the age groupers to use on the masters, so I end up doing the same set twice every week. But yeah, just pure aimless swimming with no purpose, no goal, no focus behind it. Its quite annoying really. The masters pay a significant wodge of money to the club and we seem to get the least back out of it.
Otispunkmeyer said:
The masters pay a significant wodge of money to the club and we seem to get the least back out of it.
Would there be any mileage in saying that you're off (all of you that is) and shutting down your particular club's masters' section and taking your money elsewhere?Antony Moxey said:
Otispunkmeyer said:
The masters pay a significant wodge of money to the club and we seem to get the least back out of it.
Would there be any mileage in saying that you're off (all of you that is) and shutting down your particular club's masters' section and taking your money elsewhere?
our pool is in a right state! )Antony Moxey said:
Top effort, that's some going. Just for reference, would it be too much to ask your age, age group, events and times please? I'm assuming you're a bloke too?
Not at all, I'm 46, so swim in the men's 45-49 age group. I'm a middle distance/longer distance swimmer now as injuries (and probably age) have left me finding it difficult to generate any meaningful speed. My best events and times from the past year or so would be 400m free (just outside 4.40), 800m free (9.45) and 1500 free (18.50). The latter two are generally just about fast enough to get me a medal at Masters Nationals. I swam as a kid to the age of 15 (best time of 55 for 100 free, now I'm about 1.00 on a good day), then had 15 years out of the pool. Swam consistently between 30 and 34 and then another five years out of the pool. Have been reasonably consistent since turning 40, Covid aside.
@Merp - yes, it was Millfield, enjoyed the meet, good pool. Happy with your swims?
Highway Star said:
Antony Moxey said:
Top effort, that's some going. Just for reference, would it be too much to ask your age, age group, events and times please? I'm assuming you're a bloke too?
Not at all, I'm 46, so swim in the men's 45-49 age group. I'm a middle distance/longer distance swimmer now as injuries (and probably age) have left me finding it difficult to generate any meaningful speed. My best events and times from the past year or so would be 400m free (just outside 4.40), 800m free (9.45) and 1500 free (18.50). The latter two are generally just about fast enough to get me a medal at Masters Nationals. I swam as a kid to the age of 15 (best time of 55 for 100 free, now I'm about 1.00 on a good day), then had 15 years out of the pool. Swam consistently between 30 and 34 and then another five years out of the pool. Have been reasonably consistent since turning 40, Covid aside.
@Merp - yes, it was Millfield, enjoyed the meet, good pool. Happy with your swims?
24.6 in the 50fr, which is off where I want to be. I should be closer to 24 low. Raced it all wrong, didn't feel any catch, and was just spinning my arms and trying to race the guys either side of me.
2:01 in the 200, again, off where I want it to be, but happy enough with it for the start of the year. It should be sub 2:00 really, as my 100 is 54.0.
That was the first time ive raced it in ~20yrs
I wont be racing anything else now until British Champs in April.
2:01 in the 200, again, off where I want it to be, but happy enough with it for the start of the year. It should be sub 2:00 really, as my 100 is 54.0.
That was the first time ive raced it in ~20yrs
I wont be racing anything else now until British Champs in April.
Proud Dad update…
Well, PBJnr2 can confirm that it’s a bit of a step up from being a National swimmer to taking part at International level. World Para Series was awesome, and met lots of great people, providing huge amounts of good advice.
But it really is Next Level.
Anyway, she bagged 19/30 for the 100BK and 19/30 for the 100BR. Which we're all taking as being a top result for the first go at this level. Also did the 50BK and 50BR in the Victorian Open being held at the same time and took silver in both.
Obligatory photos….
Formal with the green and gold cap that say AUS on the side, courtesy of one of the pro photographers…
And somewhat less formal meeting with a familiar face - as usual Ellen was awesome and v generous with her time and advice…
Next comps are National Age Champs early next month followed a fortnight later by the National Open Champs. Then she’s going to go to the Olympic/Paralympic trials in June - for the experience as she’s not ready for that competition yet!
Then probably a rest…
Well, PBJnr2 can confirm that it’s a bit of a step up from being a National swimmer to taking part at International level. World Para Series was awesome, and met lots of great people, providing huge amounts of good advice.
But it really is Next Level.
Anyway, she bagged 19/30 for the 100BK and 19/30 for the 100BR. Which we're all taking as being a top result for the first go at this level. Also did the 50BK and 50BR in the Victorian Open being held at the same time and took silver in both.
Obligatory photos….
Formal with the green and gold cap that say AUS on the side, courtesy of one of the pro photographers…
And somewhat less formal meeting with a familiar face - as usual Ellen was awesome and v generous with her time and advice…
Next comps are National Age Champs early next month followed a fortnight later by the National Open Champs. Then she’s going to go to the Olympic/Paralympic trials in June - for the experience as she’s not ready for that competition yet!
Then probably a rest…
Thanks!
I think she’ll be fine building up to June - though she did say at the first WPS race she was literally shaking on the blocks with nerves!
As for having a rest, that’ll be for all of us - WPS was in Melbourne, 900km south, Age and Open Champs are both in Gold Coast, 850km north, and the trials are in Brisvegas, just over 900km north.
In each case it’s a day to get there and a day to get home again. Suffice to say neither travel or accommodation are free. But, that’s what it’s going to take - and having got this far, whilst we’re able to afford the time and travel, we’ll keep doing it. As I’ve said before, there are many others that do it a damn sight tougher than us, travelling from country regions.
I think she’ll be fine building up to June - though she did say at the first WPS race she was literally shaking on the blocks with nerves!
As for having a rest, that’ll be for all of us - WPS was in Melbourne, 900km south, Age and Open Champs are both in Gold Coast, 850km north, and the trials are in Brisvegas, just over 900km north.
In each case it’s a day to get there and a day to get home again. Suffice to say neither travel or accommodation are free. But, that’s what it’s going to take - and having got this far, whilst we’re able to afford the time and travel, we’ll keep doing it. As I’ve said before, there are many others that do it a damn sight tougher than us, travelling from country regions.
Well I may have to eat some words here... At least if he hasn't peaked too soon! But Mr Peaty has had a blinding opener at British Champs.
58.5 in the heats. 57.9 in the semi. I did not expect that from him. Seems like he's got his head in the game and whatever they're doing with Mel Marshall, it is working.
He went very fast for the heats but I reckon he just had to blow out those webs and get that peg in the board/set his stall out...none of this measured approach, keeping something back for later. Just balls out from the start. Final will be interesting.
58.5 in the heats. 57.9 in the semi. I did not expect that from him. Seems like he's got his head in the game and whatever they're doing with Mel Marshall, it is working.
He went very fast for the heats but I reckon he just had to blow out those webs and get that peg in the board/set his stall out...none of this measured approach, keeping something back for later. Just balls out from the start. Final will be interesting.
Edited by Otispunkmeyer on Tuesday 2nd April 21:10
Edited by Otispunkmeyer on Tuesday 2nd April 21:11
The 57.9 was the final, there are no semis! He looked very good, that's going to be one big showdown in Paris. Did feel a bit sorry for the lad who broke the GB age record in that final, he went 1.00 at 16 years old and didn't even get a mention during or after from the BBC commentators who just talked non-stop about Adam, basically repeating the same thing over and over.
Highway Star said:
The 57.9 was the final, there are no semis! He looked very good, that's going to be one big showdown in Paris. Did feel a bit sorry for the lad who broke the GB age record in that final, he went 1.00 at 16 years old and didn't even get a mention during or after from the BBC commentators who just talked non-stop about Adam, basically repeating the same thing over and over.
Happens in a fringe sport, they're catering to the general public aren't they, who've heard of Peaty, grateful we've got coverage!In other news, one of my ex-swimmers got a PB in the 200fly which was nice to watch 2:09 long course is shifting at any level! He's enjoying himself at Plymouth, coming on a treat :-)
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