State Swim Meet Hosts Hundreds

Hundreds of swimmers from all over Michigan were in town this weekend for the Michigan Masters State Swim Meet.  More than 345 contestants, ages 18 to 85, converged on the pool at East Kentwood High School for the annual event.

For many the meet is a run-up to the national meet and the competition is friendly but fierce.

"I had a great weekend, exceeded my expectations.  I had best times in two out of three events.  I came home with two 3rd places and a 5th," said Mike Marrow, a swimmer from the east side of the state.

The level of competition is quite high.  Some swimmers have competed in the Olympics.  Others hold world records, like 86-year-old Lois Kivi Nochman, who still competes on the international circuit year in and year out.

"You don't forget how to swim.  It's like riding a bicycle," said Nochman.

Swimmers contend within their own age groups so the races remain competitive.  However, participants say it isn't just about the best time or who wins and who loses.
   
"Swimming is the best fitness you can do, not like a land sport where you get a lot of aches and pains from joints and that sort of thing," said Marrow.

"You don't have to do it well," said Nochman.  "I like to do it well and I do do it well, but there are other swimmers who don't.  But at this age any exercise you get is good."

With nationals right around the corner, though, it's always nice to put up a good time and leave the pool with a refreshing sense of accomplishment.

"It's been a lot of hard work going into this and capping it off this way couldn't be better," said Marrow.

The U.S. Masters Swimming Spring Nationals this year will be held in Arizona starting April 28th.