In August of 2024, our co-founders, Jon and Susan Foss, traveled to Mission Viejo, California, (the swimming Mecca in the United States) for Jon to compete at the USA Master’s National Championship. Jon swam in 6 events: 50m Fly, 100 Fly, 50 Free, 100 Free, 200 Mixed Medley relay and 200 Mixed Free relay. Here’s what he had to say about the event and his training leading up to his events.
What medals did you receive in what races?
I received bronze in the 50m Fly and won lesser medals in the 100 Free (4th place), 50Free (7th place), and 100 Fly (8th place), as well as relay finishes in 8th and 11th.
I scratched both the 200m Free and the 200m Fly to spend time at two beach towns with my beautiful wife, Susan. She was an awesome coach and deserved time away from the pool on Friday and Saturday.
Did you train? How did you balance your commitments and training?
To prepare for this competition, I trained over lunch or in the early morning with my Masters team. I swam roughly 9 miles each week. That’s roughly the equivalent of running 40 miles.
Would you participate again? If you do participate again, what time would you be aiming for?
Possibly next year in Singapore. I’ve gotten faster for 3 successive meets, and if I continue to improve, I would be approaching some important records.
What is your favorite stroke and why? Has your favorite changed over time?
Butterfly is my #1 and my #4. In high school and college, I was fully tasked with Freestyle and swimming Freestyle on relays. Only Freestyle! Then, 5 years after college at a big meet, there was a challenge amongst the coached. It was the 100m Butterfly at the Olympic distance, and my split times shocked both me and the other coaches. That was the first time I knew my butterfly was world class.
Why is Butterfly my #1 and #4? Because it is so effortless and fun proposing over the water. But, if you run out of gas (like my 100 Fly at Mission Viejo), it is a painful lesson. I went from 3rd to 8th in the last 20 meters.
What have you learned from this project?
#1: It is amazing how I get more nervous as a 60-year-old than I did swimming as a teenager. What a thrill to compete! Such a confidence builder.
#2: The joy of taking my knowledge of swimming technique and apply it to myself rather than coaching others has been enlightening.
