3 time Olympian and Olympic gold medalist Darian Townsend is no stranger to world records – he held the 200 IM SCM world record prior to Ryan Lochte and today, in his masters swimming debut, he nailed down 5 new world bests in the 25 to 29 age group in Mesa Arizona. Townsend’s program of 5 events this morning included the the following events:
100 IM where he clocked a 53.4 )bettering the old mark of 55.13 by Yuta Shoji of Japan).
50 back in a time of 24.55 (eclipsing the old mark was 25.02 by Rodrigo Trivino of Brazil).
200 free in a 1:44.90 (well under the old mark of 1:48.81 by John Keppeler of USA)
100 fly in a time of 52.45 (under the old mark of 52,92 by Daneil Belini of Brazil)
50 free in a time of 22.08 (narrowly under the old mark of 22.11 by Stefan Nystrand of Sweden)
This was an impressive feat, particularly noting that the entire program was swum in just over 2 hours. Townsend was most pleased with his 200 free swim, “it was the third event of the morning and I’m very happy with the time.”
“The fly was a good event too particularly given I’m have been training a lot of fly in my current program.” Townsend is currently swimming with the Tucson Ford masters 3 days a week in addition to his training with the club program.
We’ll be talking more with Darian about his training and the work he’s doing with his sponsor A3 Performance later this week.
Being inclusive doesn’t mean aiming for mediocrity and it certainly shouldn’t discourage anyone from striving to reach their potential. Unfortunately, the notion that “really good” swimmers don’t belong in Masters Swimming still persists in some circles who see it as an adult version of the kiddie pool. Masters is for anyone and everyone who loves to swim (some who enjoy competition) and appreciates the improved quality of life that the sport can offer.
Amazing meet, Darian! Thanks for helping get those records down where they belong. Welcome to Masters Swimming!
Nobody I know in our masters program has a sponsor. How are you a masters swimmer when you still are swimming as a pro?
Hmmm – your logic is flawed, be a use there are definitely sponsored Masters swimmers. Including some in their 50s+.
I’ve seen no policy about amateurism in Masters swimming, either, and see no reason to add one. Afterall, someone is making a ton of money off of Masters swimming, no reason for the athletes not to get a cut of it.
I have no problem with athletes making money off of Masters but why have a separate division called Masters if there are no rules or restrictions? None of the sponsored people you mention in their 50’s are training for Rio are they?. Most people in Masters believe they are swimming against recreational swimmers which is why there is a separate Masters division and those records are set by recreational/retired swimmers. If Phelps remains retired and wants to swim Masters, well there goes a few records in his age group but none of us in our club would have a problem with it. We discussed that very subject this morning after practice and Phelps, like Rowdy Gaines is retired and would… Read more »
I disagree completely. Masters is about inclusion and this doesn’t just mean on the slow end. In the United States anyone 18 or older can compete in USMS competition–end of story. Personally I love to see elites swim masters meets. Congrats Darian!
I, too, disagree and not just a little bit. We are fortunate enough at our club to have some of the world’s fastest and most famous pro swimmers. Having them at meets and occasionally in the pool at the same time as us is not the least bit discouraging. It is always exciting.
Being a Masters swimmer isn’t about being old fashioned or relegated to a different tier of swimming. I coach Masters daily who are incredibly hard working and intent on staying on the cutting edge of swim training.
I was at the meet and wished I had video’d the 200 free. All of his swims were beautiful, but the 200 was stunning.
I sort of wished that I swam the meet and the 200….nothing like having fun and getting you butt kicked!! 🙂
I have some cell phone video of his 100 fly and 50 free. I totally agree that his 200 free was MUCHO impressive. Strong 6-beat kick the whole way, building tempo until the end.
what exactly is the difference between “masters” swimming and regular professional swimming…if they can enter the same meets, assuming they have the qualifying times.
I guess my question is…what’s the benefit of a professional swimmer to swim masters?
Exactly the question we all asked this morning at our Masters practice. What a shock, an Olympian broke some Masters records while training for the next Olympics. Did not see that coming.
One benefit is he got to swim SCM, which is tough to come by swimming USA swimming. It is also nice to go to a meet and see an elite swimmer. Darian is a great guy and I am sure that it was fun to see him swim for those that were there.
Oh my comment certainly wasn’t meant to be criticism… Just to ask fr a clarification. I had previously thought masters swimming was only for non professional adult swimmers … Though the article didn’t imply that since we are not expected to count him out for Rio.
I always think it’s s treat for fans to see Olympians swim in smaller meets… Gives fans a chance to see them in their element without the bright lights.
Regardless, go Darian!