First International Masters Swim Meets, March'74
FIRST MASTERS INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING MEETS Sydney Australia and Matamata, New Zealand March 1974
We were mailed an International emblem/patch and asked to all wear the same style of swim suit and royal blue sweat suits. We came from many cities in United States and Canada. We flew to Los Angeles, where we all met, and were issued our International T-shirts.
It was a long flight. Night seemed eternal. We met four more of our group in Fiji Islands. After breakfast the next morning, everyone took part in various races. Hud Stewart won the sculling torpedo race. We spent three restful days, staying in grass huts. Most of us visited the Market Place--a rare experience. We then flew to Sydney, Australia, and again rested and ate.
Ham and the Van Houtens went snorkel diving for several hours, and were painfully sunburned. The Van Houtens also went scuba diving. We were treated to a cafeteria dinner, and each given a shirt donated by a beer company. If you ordered beer, you were given a full quart. We visited the world famous architectural Sydney Opera House. One evening we were entertained by Aborigine natives. We swam relays composed of an Aussie and a US swimmer teamed by times (handicap). Our team won, but lost for swimming too fast! We swam in an indoor club pool, where we also swam an individual handicap race.
Our meet was held in a park pool, late in the afternoon. It turned cold before the meet was over. Dawn Fraser swam the 50 meter freestyle and left. Jon Hendricks and his family were there. The Aussies swam a complete heat of 80+ men. Our team was not well balanced. We had too many swimmers in the 50+ divisions, and few in the 40+. Bill Trash became very ill, and his trip was ruined.
Most everyone purchased souvenirs: koala bears, kangaroo rugs and purses. Our grandchildren still have theirs. We parted and flew to New Zealand, staying in pairs in small summer homes. The refrigerator was always filled with milk. We were hosted to see the historic sights, shearing of sheep, a cave, etc. The weather in New Zealand was warmer, as it was the end of their summer. Jim Edwards took excellent movies.
Our meet was held in a meter pool. Once Ham was left standing on the block. The meet ended with a beer race Drink a beer, swim, drink, swim, four times and finish if you were able. The race was won by Pat Clinton. That night we attended a party dance., one of the highlights of the trip. Ice breaker dances, making it possible to dance with almost everyone. One evening we were entertained by the New Zealand Natives, many pictures. Next day we were divided into groups of four to partake of a delicious lunch, hosted by different Matamata swimmers and families. Their hospitality was great. Certificates were given for participation, plus a New Zealand banner. We left by bus to the airport and our long trip back home.
We made a stop at Tahiti. Mildred because ill from smoke. She was given a tablet that knocked her out for the rest of the trip. After getting off the plane, she sleepily walked to her hotel to spend the night, before going back to Houston. Without doubt, Dr. Richard Rahe was glad to be rid of us.
