In the wonderful world of USMS swimming, where you are always competing with your last best time, you can meet swimmers from all over the US, see swimmers break national records and even qualify for the Olympics, not to mention witness a standing ovation for a 90 year old man who can still hold his own in the pool. He showed all of us young whipper-snappers what it’s really about--longevity.
Overall, it was a great day and I felt really good about the events I swam and was kicking myself that I wasn’t able to participate more days. Since NC was the host for Nationals this year, everyone was treated to Stamey’s local barbeque and peach cobbler, so I guess I can say they treated us right! Yum! NC barbeque is just heavenly after a swim meet.
A shout out to my Durham Area Masters swim coach, Dennis McGraw and teammate, John Mitzak. And to all the timers, judges, organizers, volunteers, coaches and officials, thank you for the excellent job in making the swim meet run smoothly.