Quote:
Originally Posted by jimjamuser
I agree that the Olympics is NOT the place for pro athletes. Let the college amateurs have their day in the spotlight - many will NOT make or struggle to make the professional ranks. Fair IS fair - spread out the wealth. Just making a good college team requires much time and effort - I know personally. A large middle-class of athletes make the larger society of men and women stronger and more alert. Sports can be VERY instructive and fulfilling - the more that participate the better.
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This isn't new though. In 1976, the IOC eliminated the rule that athletes couldn't accept sponsorships or other compensation. Most live on sponsorships - it's not likely any family could provide training, travel, maintain membership, pay competition expenses, with just a normal mom and dad average American salary - and still pay their mundane bills. Also, -training- for the Olympics was paid for by their countries' government, outside the USA. The amateur-only status of Americans was a pretty big disadvantage.
Professional athletes were added to eligibility in 1986.