International Swimming, 1974
INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING
Dr. Richard Rahe reports that the two swim meets held in Australia and New Zealand in connection with the first International Masters trip in 1974 "were a resounding success, and I am sure the presence of our group did a great deal to stimulate Masters Swimming in both these countries."
When they attempted the first Masters meet in Australia two years ago, only four swimmers showed up for the competition. There are so many swim clubs in Sydney there is no lack of opportunity or facilities for casual competitions. Last year, Jack Brownjohn and Bryan Mortenson really publicized the Masters idea of swimming a full complement of events and distances. Even though they reserved an excellent facility, only 14 swimmers came for the second Masters competition. This year, chiefly as a result of the presence of our team, over 70 AUSSIE men and women took part--coming from all over Australia.
We had a similar experience in Matamata, New Zealand. Prior to our arrival there had been good publicity for the swim meet in both newspapers and television. Once again, over 70 New Zealanders showed up for the two-day competition.
As Cease Brown reports from England, "Commonwealth countries" are keen on swimming short sprints - frequently just 33-1/3 meters. This, of course, doesn't require a great deal of swim training, and fits in with their more casual approach to swimming in the older age groups. In contrast, many Australians trained quite diligently for their spring competitions. I believe our team demonstrated that the older athlete can also succeed in distance swimming. Our conditioning for the longer events proved valuable in the last 10 to 15 meters of even the 50 and 100 events.
Many of our first international tour group sent me pictures and wrote to me of the really great time had by all. There were a few problems but I am sure the experience will long be remembered - both by our US team and by the Aussies and New Zealanders. Cliff Williams of Auckland, NZ writes "You will vaguely remember me. First in Auckland with the Coopers occasionally and in LA in 1970 for a moment. However, we've just hosted your first touring crew on what was, to us at any rate, a tremendous success. The visit has given us a Hiyear lift. If they had not come we would have had 20 at our meet. Actually, 100 arrived and we had a ball - you should have been there. Dick Rahe and the gang did everything, and we hope we helped by providing what we could. We had 5 heats of 5 in the 1500, and some of your people did it for the first time - great Reg Richardson, etc. etc. competed, talked, swam in the surf, and we all voted it a great event. What a shame it is so far.
Next season I've been voted tour leader on a possible, if not probable tour, at least of the West. We'd love to do the lot, but it would be a bit much. So be notified of the intention and we hope to return the favour which your people did us. We found some creditable talent, and will certainly endeavor to develop it. We are even trying to get the Masters track into a combined duo to make it a full plane - and cheaper fares."
