How to Win a High Point Award at Your Next Swim Meet like Chris Stickle, Alison Hayden and Mark Palace (pictured wearing their awards hats) did at the 2024 South Carolina Masters SCM State Championships is today's topic. If you've ever been inspired by the competitive spirit of swimmers like these, you know that achieving a high point award at a Masters swim meet is no small feat. Alison Hayden, who was just interviewed on Champion’s Mojo, emphasized the importance of focus, motivation, and strategy—qualities that can help any swimmer aim for the coveted high point title. Whether it’s a plush towel embroidered with “High Point” from a St. Pete Masters meet, a kickboard signed by Rowdy Gaines at the Rowdy Gaines Masters Classic, or a sleek high point baseball hat from the South Carolina Masters SCM State Championships, the reward can be as satisfying as the journey itself.
Here are five tips to help you win a high point award at your next Masters swim meet:
1. Enter the Maximum Number of Events
First make sure that the meet you are entering is giving a high point award. Not all meets offer this and it's usual a two to three day meet that does so. In these masters swim meets they often allow you to swim up to six events a day, maybe fewer on a Friday or half day. That’s a lot of swimming, but every event is an opportunity to earn points. Commit to signing up early and view it as a personal challenge. Alison Hayden’s advice? “You have to love the grind and the exhilaration of competing repeatedly. It’s as much about mental stamina as physical.”
2. Choose Events Strategically
Select events where you have the best chance to score lots of points. Often, events like the 200 butterfly. 400 IM or distance free events are less crowded, increasing your chances of earning top spots. These races require grit and preparation, but they’re also where you can shine if you’re willing to take on the challenge.
3. Swim Smart and Pace Yourself
Winning a high point award is a marathon, not a sprint. Swim each event to the best of your ability while being mindful of your overall energy. Alison’s experience underscores this: “You can’t give 100% in every race if you’re aiming for high point. Be strategic about conserving energy for the long haul.”
4. Stay Focused and Avoid Disqualifications
Missing events or getting disqualified can be costly. Pay close attention to the meet schedule, stay warmed up, and review stroke and turn rules to ensure you stay legal. As Mark Palace, an experienced High Point Award winner puts it, “Preparation includes knowing the rules. Don’t let simple mistakes steal your hard-earned points. I also focus on swimming just a little bit faster than my friend Brodie Hynes”
5. Stick Around Until the End
High point awards are calculated after all results are finalized. This means staying until the bitter end of the meet. If you’re serious about winning, commit to being present for the awards ceremony, for yourself and others. After all, you’ve worked hard—why not savor the moment and celebrate your fellow winners?
Motivation Matters
High point awards are as much about the journey as the destination. Whether it’s the thrill of competition, the camaraderie of your fellow swimmers, or the tangible reward—a kickboard, a hat, or a towel—find what motivates you to chase this goal.
Are you up for the challenge? Dive in, and maybe you’ll find yourself holding a high point award at your next meet! Listen to all the interviews for Masters swimmers at www.championsmojo.com
