Masters

Beyond the Lane Lines: Finding Joy in Open Water Swimming Swimming doesn’t have to be a sport that ends after the club or college days. Thanks to its low-impact nature and wide-ranging health benefits, it's one of the few sports that can be enjoyed well into adulthood. It also provides an opportunit...

Guest Editorial: USMS - Do Not Marginalize Transgender Swimmers By Kerri N McCaffrey Dear Swimming World Community, I am a transgender Masters swimmer and have competed in various genders and age groups over my lifetime. Currently, I am 61 years old. Starting around 1995, I began taking hormones and...

U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) has initiated an interim policy on gender categories at sanctioned swim competitions, specifically looking into transgender participation. At the USMS Spring Championships in April, a transgender swimmer won several races. There was some backlash about the previous polic...

Guest Editorial: A Lane for Every Woman By Jennifer Rines (Guest Editorial) I’m a transgender woman writing in response to Angie Griffin’s recent editorial. Like Angie, I swam in the women’s 45-49 100 breaststroke in San Antonio. Like Angie, I believe that every swimmer deserves a lane — and that th...

U.S. Masters Swimming is under investigation for allegedly allowing a transgender woman to swim at its 2025 U.S. Masters Spring Nationals in San Antonio. According to reports, a transgender athlete won five women's events at the meet. The swimmer, 47-year-old Ana Caldas, dominated all five races the...

Fairness in Sport is Not Optional: Why USMS Needs to Change Transgender Policy Guest Editorial By Angie Griffin Every morning before the sun comes up, I pull on my swimsuit, lace up my work boots, and head to the pool. I wear a swim cap before work and a hard hat on the job. As a female utility work...

USA Water Polo National League: Mission (UCLA) Wins 2025 Championship The 2025 USA Water Polo Men’s National League Championships wrapped up with a dramatic day of finals action at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California. UCLA captured the National League crown in thrilling fashion over The O....

US Masters Nationals: How Many Records Fell? (Hint: Fast Pool = Fast Times) The 2025 U.S. Masters Swimming Spring Nationals in San Antonio brought the heat this weekend — and we’re not just talking about the Texas sun. With more than 1,700 swimmers on deck, the energy was electric, the races were fa...

What is the Best Part of Masters Swimming (Take the Poll) Masters Swimming has long provided the opportunity for swimmers to not become swammers. Once a high school or collegiate career comes to an end, swimmers can turn to Masters to remain connected to a sport that holds a special place in their l...

Last-Minute Gift Guide for Swimmers, Coaches, and Parents Swimmers live and die by the clock—whether it’s hitting their splits or making intervals. With the holidays speeding closer, it’s time to dive in and find last-minute gifts! Here are trending gift ideas to delight swimmers, coaches, and paren...

Masters swimmers are some of the most dedicated athletes, balancing the demands of swimming with busy work, family, and social lives. Whether they’re training for a competition or simply staying in shape, they put in the hard work—often enduring long hours in the pool and intense recovery sessions. ...

Coaching Masters Swimming: A Different Sport With Many Needs to Meet (From the Archive) Commentary by Jason Tillotson When we think of swimmers and the American swimming community, we think of early morning practices, a full day of school or work then a return to the Olympic-sized ice box for an aft...

9 High Protein Snacks for Swimmers on the Go Holiday travel or hustle and bustle got you on the go?  Having access to high protein snacks can be a challenge.  Protein helps keep your energy levels up and muscle recovery. Try some of these grab and go, high protein snacks - great for the car, the pla...

U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) has concluded its at-large director elections and honored many of its deserving volunteers and coaches during its 2024 annual meeting. Board of Directors Elections The following at-large directors were elected or re-elected for their zones: Samantha Kraft (Breadbasket .....

Whether you’re diving into the pool for a rigorous training session, need recovery tools to keep your body feeling its best, or want to maximize comfort at home, we’ve curated a list of the top gear that every swimmer and water enthusiast needs. From high-tech recovery tools to cozy essentials, this...

Swimming is a unique sport that adapts to our changing bodies, supporting fitness and competition. From youth to the golden years, swimming evolves to meet our physical needs at every stage of life. The sport offers the opportunity for competition while also providing the choice of fitness for those...

When it comes to transitioning from the pool to the classroom or work, swimmers (and any athlete who spends time in the water) know the importance of comfort and warmth, especially as the weather cools down. Enter UGG boots—an unexpected but perfect companion for swimmers during the fall and back-t...

The US Masters Swimming Summer National Championships concluded from Mission Viejo California on Sunday. Ther were 35 USMS records set and 19 World Aquatics age group world records set at the meet. Gabrielle Rose led a group of 11 Olympians who competed in the meet, a group that also included  Jeff ...

7 Reasons You Should Get Back Into the Pool As A Masters Swimmer By Alec Scott There is nothing quite like swimming. Once you are done racing competitively at the high school or college level, it can be hard to fill that void. Masters is a great way to get back into it and have some fun along the wa...

5 Reasons to Continue Swimming as a Lifelong Sport By Lianne McCluskey U.S. Masters Swimming has referred to swimming as "the magic pill" for a reason - regardless of an individual's athletic ability, a person can pick up the sport at any time in their life. Here are five reasons why swimming is a w...