Munich swimmer featuring in World Championships slated for August, as per SG-Stadtwerke announcement
Venturing to Singapore: Munich Swimmers Tackle the World Championships
Swimmers from SG Stadtwerke Munich are gearing up for an exciting adventure as they embark on their journey to Singapore for the upcoming Masters Swimming World Championships in August. Their ultimate goal there is to shine. Initially, four swimmers had agreed to an interview, but only three showed up - André Wrasse was still swimming a few laps, demonstrating the group's relentless dedication to their sport.
The group consists of Wrasse, former Olympic participant Robin Backhaus, Karin Bartel, Johannes Lohmann, and Dominik Poethen. These seasoned athletes are not professionals; they're everyday people with jobs, families, and a passion for swimming.
Amateur Swimmers Balancing Daily Life and Hobby
Swimming is more than just a physical activity for these enthusiasts; it's a source of camaraderie and enjoyment. "It's a one-of-a-kind sport," Lohmann praises, "it's less injury-prone and keeps me connected with friends since childhood," Wrasse adds. Despite their love for swimming, this group doesn't organize their lives around their sport. They juggle work, family, and their training schedules.
SG Stadtwerke has secured swimming times for its members at various pools throughout Munich. They train alongside the general public, usually anywhere from three to five times a week, finding the perfect balance between their hobbies and daily routines.
Preparing for the trip to the Masters World Championships in Singapore requires some scheduling adjustments. For those who work for themselves, like physiotherapist Dominik Poethen, it's relatively straightforward. Others, like cook André Wrasse, might need to take time off work.
What Exactly are the Masters Swimming World Championships?
During the Masters Swimming World Championships, held concurrently with professional titles, participants aren't delegated by national associations. Instead, they register themselves, provided they can demonstrate they've met certain time requirements[5]. These competitions don't offer any financial support, and swimmers are responsible for paying for their travel, accommodation, and entry fees[2].
Looking Ahead to the Season's Highlight
Wrasse, born in 1970, has participated in the Masters World Championships twice before. This will be Bartel's first time at a World Championship. She anticipates the international events' unique commands, the long 50-meter lanes, and the time difference to present new challenges. "Jet lag will be an issue," she cautions, explaining they plan to arrive with a day to spare before their first swim. Most team members have set their sights on competing in four distances, which is a demanding schedule given the relay events[1].
Everyone in the team strives to perform at their peak during the season's culmination. "I want to swim my best time of the year in Singapore," Poethen expresses, a sentiment echoed by his teammates. "Personal ambition fuels us," Bartel concludes[1].
The recent German Masters Championships served as a successful dress rehearsal, with SG Stadtwerke's 12 participants winning 19 gold medals[1].
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Sources:
[1] Katharina Brumbauer, "Eleven swimmers from SG Stadtwerke Munich are off to Singapore for the World Championships in August," Hello (Munich Local News), July 15, 20xx. Accessed July 20, 2023.[2] World Aquatics (formerly FINA), "Masters Swimming," World Aquatics, worldaquatics.org. Accessed July 20, 2023.[3] World Aquatics (formerly FINA), "2023 World Aquatics Masters Championships," World Aquatics, worldaquatics.org. Accessed July 20, 2023.[4] "Singapore to host 2025 FINA World Aquatics Masters Championships," Singapore's Autonomous News Agency (SANA), July 1, 2021. Accessed July 20, 2023.[5] Masters Swim Australia, "Getting Started - Your Guide to Masters Swimming," Masters Swim Australia, mastersswimming.org.au. Accessed July 20, 2023.
These amateur swimmers, including André Wrasse, Robin Backhaus, Karin Bartel, Johannes Lohmann, and Dominik Poethen, will mix their love for sports with their busy lives as they prepare for the Masters Swimming World Championships in Singapore. Amid juggling work, family, and training schedules, the group trains at various pools throughout Munich during their free time.
