Upcoming events
While it is currently difficult to plan meets, there are a few happening across the country. Most of your competitive options at the moment are either virtual, or open water. But as always, the USMS Events page has a full list (hint: this page probably defaults to your location, but if you click on “Show All” you can see all events across the country).
Here are a few other events to perhaps get your training ramped up!:
March 13, 2021: Indoor Triathlon at the Jones Center
July 21-25, 2021 (tentative date) Spring USMS Nationals (Short Course)
Oct. 6-10, 2021 (tentative date) Summer USMS Nationals (Long Course)
Swimmer Spotlight
In case you aren’t familiar with Aras, he lives in Hot Springs and has an interesting swim background. He also has 4 Top 10 Swims (2 each from the 2019 and 2020). Read his story below…
Hometown and Current residence: Izmir/Turkey, I currently live in Hot Springs, AR
Family and Occupation: I live with my 6 years old daughter and I am a director at Hot Springs Health and Fitness Club.
Swimming background: Growing up I was passionate about soccer but at age of 12, I suffered with a rare syndrome with my knees that prevented me from doing all sports except swimming. I started competing at age 13 and won the Turkish Nationals in the 50 free that year. I swam with the Turkish National Team and broke a few National Records. I travelled with the National team quite a bit until I finished high school, and then I recieved a scholarship from Henderson State University where I earned a few All-American awards. I quit 10 years after graduating until 2 years ago when I recently started competing with Masters.
Favorite event/race: 200 Freestyle
Swimming hero: Alexander Popov was my swimming hero. He was one of the best freestylers ever with flawless technique.
Swimming goals: At this point i like to stay fit and make it to World Masters 2022 in Japan.
Advice to new masters swimmers: Set yourself goals and take it day by day.
Hobbies: Other than swimming, I like fishing and gardening.
Favorite Drills: Catch up with high elbows and work on distance per stroke.
Do you participate in other sports? I like to play basketball when I can.
Where do you currently swim? Hot Springs YMCA
USMS Membership
Great news! Last year Arkansas Masters had its largest membership to date – 193 members. The largest club membership was for MC Soakers, which is located in the Joplin, Missouri area. MC Soakers had 75 registered members last year. Way to go Soakers! In case you didn’t know, the Joplin area has been formally added to the Arkansas Masters LMSC. Originally, our LMSC boundaries matched the state boundaries. However we now have part of Texarkana, and a few counties in Southwest Missouri included in our boundaries.
If you haven’t renewed your USMS membership for 2021, you can do so at this link:
Donations – Thank you!
Speaking of membership, when a swimmer joins USMS, they are given an option of making a donation. This year so far, we have been given over $400 in donations by generous members. Thank you so much for your support of Arkansas Masters Swimming
Arkansas Masters Swimming 