By By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
June 8, 2004
The masters swim meet of the State Games of Mississippi will give aquatic athletes a chance to return to competitive waters in a friendly atmosphere.
Masters swimming gives competitors 19 years old and older the chance to compete in five individual and four relay events on June 26 at the Meridian Community College Damon Fitness Center. Age groups are divided into 25-year increments.
Heggie said the event draws around 30 to 40 swimmers to MCC's campus for the one-day meet, with a large portion of the swimmers coming from the Jackson area.
Participants can compete in the 200-meter I.M., 100-meter free style, 50-meter breaststroke, 100-meter fly, 50-meter free style, 100-meter backstroke, 50-meter fly, 200-meter freestyle relay, 200-meter medley relay, 200-meter free style, 100-meter breaststroke, 50-meter backstroke, 100-meter I.M., and 500-meter free style.
Current USMS rules apply to the meet, and the times are recorded using Colorado electronic touch pads, backup buttons and stopwatches.
The ability of older athletes to compete makes the swimming portion of the State Games one of the statewide event's unique competitions. Many of the more seasoned swimmers often compete in the State Games of America, as well as in Mississippi's meet.
The masters competition also gives swimmers a chance to catch up with friends and make new acquaintances over the day-long event.
Swimmers will have a warm-up period starting at 10 a.m. on June 26, and the first race will begin at 11 a.m.