I'm not sure why you would exclude 2010, after all, everyone could use the suits. 25-29 was faster across the board than 30-34 in SCY.
But for the sake of following your idea, refer to 2007 and 2008 SCY seasons, the last two seasons before tech suits.
Let's take the top time and 10th place time to compare the board. That's 36 swims each year. 30-34 only took 8 of the 36 in 2008 and 4 out of 36 in 2007.
2008
200 free top time
400 im top time
50 breast 10th place
100 breast 10th place
200 breast 10th place
200 fly 10th place
1000 free 10th place
1650 free 10th place
2007
500 free top time
1000 free 10th place
1650 free 10th place
100 back top time
And honestly, the 1000 and 1650 times don't have the depth in competition to say that 10th place is a good comparison. So, based on the most recent few years of competition, 25-29 is clearly more competitive on a national scale (not necessarily AT Nationals, but all times posted). I would agree that local meets are going to be more populated by those in 30-34, but personally I would welcome additional people to swim against.
I agree that AA should be reserved for #1. The depth isn't there to merit otherwise. I have to say, FINA is on point only recognizing 25+. The downside is there are obviously many rewarding people who got caught in an unlucky event where they wound up #2 or #3 to some former NCAA or higher level swimmer, but it's better than the flip side.Originally Posted by jroddin
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