Double Dip: Competing in both Water Polo and Swimming at DC IGLA '08

by Mike Crosby:

I had another blast playing water polo and swimming for WH2O at IGLA/Gay Games! It is always an exhausting experience, since I like to socialize, perform in Pink Flamingo, and see the city as well. This year, the logistics were especially difficult with a subway AND a shuttle to the swimming pool (in the past it’s been just one or the other), and competitions at remote venues. However, the pools themselves were very nice and it certainly helped WH2O polo that they had us battle QUAC at University of Maryland on the last day in a regulation-sized pool (the Tacoma Park courses were a lil’ small).

Thanks to my coaches and teammates for being understanding of me missing a game and a half (out of 6) and 2 events (out of 8). Those I did make were sportsmanlike and successful: many medals, fast races, steals, assists, and goals. Even better of course was the honor and joy I had competing with such fun, friendly, and fantastic aquaholics.

Congrats to Brian Murphy, Bryan Libit, Luis Bahamón, Mike Baron, and Jackie Cole who were my fellow "ironpeople" this year doing two sports (we won't disclose that the latter two played polo for WH2O but swam for the triumphant Long Beach Grunions ☺). Bernie both swam and coached! Carlos not only swam well but also put up with my always-in-a-rush shenanigans! Hope we can increase the numbers of multi-sport athletes even more at future practices and competitions.

An unexpected but pleasant surprise was being nominated IGLA Co-Chair by Jim Cude, our own Secretary and current IGLA Co-President. Thanks, Jim! Everyone, please feel free to give us (and Bernie) feedback (mikecrosby@post.harvard.edu) to pass on to the planners of Copenhagen 2009 and Cologne 2010. I am especially curious how to get more to the awards banquet/dance party (besides making the tickets more affordable).
For those who like to reminisce, here’s a little list from my eight years on this team. It’s definitely worth considering which “Type” the IGLA is before deciding which sport(s) and events you wish to do. I’ve heard Copenhagen has venues that are very close—NICE!!!

Type 1 (lowest conflicts): One venue with swimming in morning, polo in afternoon
Recent Examples: Sydney 2002, Fort Lauderdale 2004, and Atlanta 2005
Type 2 (medium conflicts): Swimming and water polo simultaneous but at same venue
Recent Example: San Francisco 2003
Type 3 (most conflicts): Swimming and water polo simultaneous and at remote venues
Recent Examples: Toronto 2001, Chicago 2006*, Paris 2007, and DC 2008

*Despite the commute, I remember commending the 13 WH2O athletes competing in at least two aquatic sports at the Gay Games, so it is certainly doable!
See you at the pool or out and about!