1976
1976 HISTORY OF MASTERS SWIMMING
by
Hamilton Anderson
, National Historian
Masters Swimming is spreading to all corners of the U. S., and has age divisions through 80+, with the starting age 25 years.
The 1976 Short Course Nationals Masters Swimming meet held in Mission Viejo, CA, May 14-16 drew over 800 contestants, the largest number of competitors yet. The 98 teams made Mission Viejo grounds appear like a camping convention.
Considering the number of contestants, the meet ran very smoothly, and was well organized. The annual banquet was missing: the special awards had to be awarded during the meet the following day.
The Long Course National Masters Meet was held at Sugar Creek Sports Club in St. Louis, MO. There were 514 contestants from 41 States; 23 from Australia, others from South and Central America, and Canada. This was the twelfth National Masters Meet.
This was the first four day meet. The committee and officials, not knowing how many entrants there would be, since there was a record number at Short Course in Mission Viego, felt a four day meet would be more satisfactory. 93 teams were entered. The National Diving Meet held in Fort Lauderdale was a success.
It is hoped there will be an International Masters Meet in Ecuador. Ages 25-29, 30-34, etc. through 80-85. Events were 50, 100, 200, 400/500, 1500/1650 freestyle; 50, 100, 200 yds/meters in Backstroke, Breastroke, Butterfly; 100, 200, 400 Ind. Medley in short course, 200 and 400 in long course.
