The January swimsuit ruling made by U.S. Masters Swimming applies to all USMS sanctioned and recognized pool events (including meets and postal events). However, it does not apply to open water events.

The USMS Open Water swimsuit rules have not changed from 2009 and are not impacted by FINA's recent decisions. Swimwear that was approved for pool use in 2009 is still legal for USMS sanctioned open water events in 2010.

The following rules apply to open water competition:


A complete list of approved swimwear for USMS open water competition can be found here. Contact Heather Hagadorn, Chair of the Long Distance Committee, with additional questions.

By Susan Ingraham

Turns can make or break a great race. Walls are not there for rest, but instead should be used to maintain velocity throughout your event. All swimmers should strive to improve their turns at each practice; turns provide an opportunity for even the most elite athletes to drop time and improve efficiency.

Ingraham provides drills that focus specifically on developing lung capacity. Read more

by Jim Miller, MD

The Masters athlete is different from younger athletes. We work, we have families, we have homes; we have to contend with the real world.

It is not a surprise that, as Masters swimmers, our training goals are frequently not met; or if they are, it is at the expense of something else, such as sleep or quality nutrition. There is also little wonder why our performances are sometimes not what our training would indicate they should be. It becomes difficult to keep to a training schedule without interruptions, even while we are training for our end-of-the-season competitions. When busy, we can go days - or even weeks - without consistent training. Read more

Featured on the Web

If you have not visited the front page at usms.org this week, you may have missed these two great stories about Masters swimmers:

Swimming to Live: Rebecca's Story
Three years ago, Rebecca Ehmling, 50, was diagnosed with a form of rheumatoid arthritis with fibromyalgia, a degenerative autoimmune disease that can deform joints and cause severe pain. "At first I though I had the flu, but three days later I couldn't get out of bed without help or walk without assistance. My feet and hands swelled up to three times their normal size," Ehmling says. After weeks of tests she was diagnosed and the specialist told her flat out that she should resign herself to spending most of her days in a wheelchair. Read more.

Ft. Leavenworth Lancers
While many Masters swimming groups face a number of challenges in growing and sustaining their programs, the Fort Leavenworth Lancers have some unique challenges. The Lancers are in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., home of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, a different type of military installation, which houses the Command and Staff College. The college offers something similar to a one-year graduate program for field grade officers. Most of the personnel stationed there stay for only a year, sometimes less. Read more.

Controller Position Filled

The previously advertised Controller position has been filled, and the national office is pleased to welcome Susan Kuhlman to the staff.

Susan has 15 years experience as a controller. She comes to USMS from the Sarasota Orchestra where she served as their controller. The Sarasota Orchestra has a $7M annual operating budget and $23M Endowment Fund. Susan earned her undergraduate degree from University of Florida and masters from Boston University.

Susan is mom to two boys; 20-year old Jay and 18-year old Matthew. She is an avid cyclist and runner, and now triathlete, truly living the healthy lifestyle and a passion for sports. A native of the Sarasota area for more than 20 years, Susan was instrumental in founding the Sarasota CFO Professional Network.

Welcome Susan!

How to Maximize Swimsuit Durability

by the Professionals at Kiefer

Even if you are one of the lucky ones to be free from pressures from the tough economy, making the most of your swimsuit purchases should be a priority! Whether you favor polyester or Lycra, eventually your swimsuit will discolor, fade, stretch, tear, or if you're lucky enough to have it for a really long time, dry rot. With a little extra care, it is possible to get weeks or even months of extra use out of your non-technical swimsuit. Follow these simple guidelines for long-lasting swimsuits. Read more

Now Accepting Nominations for Ransom J. Arthur Award

The Ransom J. Arthur Award is one of U.S. Masters Swimming's most prestigious awards. The award is presented annually to the person that has done the most to further the objectives of the organization. Last year's Ransom J. Arthur Award recipient was Julie Heather; who will it be this year?

Nominations are due March 15, 2010 and the award will be presented at the USMS Short Course National Championships in Atlanta, Ga. Please read the nomination guidelines, which include the nomination form. You may email Sally Dillon if you have additional questions.

We've Got Spirit!

Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club Masters

Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club's Masters team in Denver Colorado shows spirit by swimming outdoors year-round. On Friday January 1st  these swimmers did 100 x 100's to start off the new year. It was only 30 degrees at the start of this swim, however the cold isn't enough to scare away these Masters swimmers. It actually snows during some practices. Though the winter weather can be harsh the water is always a perfect 81 degrees.

 
To see your team featured as part of the We've Got Spirit photo series, please email us at press@usms.org.