The Joy of Swimming — July 2002
by Kimberly Allen

If you read Dave Miller's article in the January 2002 edition of South Texas Masters Swimmer, you know that the USMS 2001 Convention unveiled the results of a long and expensive survey of masters swimmers. The survey found that typical members of USMS are fitness swimmers who work out 2-4 times a week, swimming around 3,000 yards each time. 65% of us are swimmers who want to improve our technique, and 58% of us feel that camaraderie we share at workouts is important! "The Joy of Swimming," is designed with the hope of reflecting the individual motivations and pleasures of "typical" masters swimmers. We will start behind the blocks at practice sessions held in south Texas. Though these conversations unfolded naturally to include parallel events such as the creation of friendships, the agony of divorce, the loss of health, or the preparation having a baby, what is reflected here, is an arresting display of the motives involved in competition and play. Let's dive right in, and explore these rare declarations of empowerment and symbolism.

PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE (desire to excel in swimming, or another activity)

PURSUIT OF PLEASURE (those with kinesthetic sensations enjoyed in participation)

PURSUIT OF SKILL (the desired to acquire physical skills; focus on perfecting their skills through continued, vigorous activity)

PURSUIT OF HEALTH AND FITNESS (mainly for health related benefits.)

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