[OrangeBlossomBaby]

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.

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.

[donassaid]

Very well said and my views exactly. So tired of these athletes who want to promote their own agenda instead of representing their country.

[DaleDivine]

Not in the least interested...

[Aloha1]

Originally Posted by aallbrand

Thank got the world is not run by old folks who forget whats its like to speak up for injustice.and use what ever platform to make change. The young are the future. Many of the same folks who boycott sports because some athletes try to bring change were rebels when they were young but grew up to be jaded and selfish

out with the old in with the new

Just because they are young doesn't mean they are right. And just because we are older doesn't mean we are wrong.

[llmcdaniel]

As much as I love sports, I began to lose interest in the Olympics years ago when professional athletes, i.e. baseball, basketball, etc. began taking over the games. Suddenly, it was which country has the best professional athletes rather than the true amateurs competing from around the world. I will watch some of it, but I will be very selective in my choices.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

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.

In life, there is often a difference between what IS and what SHOULD be. When I was in college, the team practices and games gave me enough training, skills, competition and I was recommended for a job on campus, for which I got paid for 4 hours and it took me only 1 hour to finish. 2 players on the team played in the Olympics and made big money playing professionally. I went to a pro tryout. I just was not quite good enough. I had plenty of opportunities. This was the early 1960's. I played on a military base team for a few years and could have leveraged that into an Olympic tryout. But, again I was not quite good enough. The opportunities were there the talent was not. My parents were just middle class. Money never held me back. Of course, today colleges are much more expensive and society has less equality - so that probably makes for a completely different environment.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by llmcdaniel

As much as I love sports, I began to lose interest in the Olympics years ago when professional athletes, i.e. baseball, basketball, etc. began taking over the games. Suddenly, it was which country has the best professional athletes rather than the true amateurs competing from around the world. I will watch some of it, but I will be very selective in my choices.

That's the way I feel.

I would imagine the ratings on this year's Olympics will not be very impressive. People are tired of athletes using their sports persona to make a stance. If you can't stand for the pledge at the Olympics, or partake in the national anthem, then some have no place in the Olympics. The Olympics is about representing your country, in this case I am referring to the USA. Done with professional sports in general!

[DAnder2829]

The Olympics have always been political. As an American, I support our athletes. Just because you disagree on one athlete’s actions, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t support the others. Here is an article on the Olympics and politics.
The Olympics Have Always Been Political - The Atlantic

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by DeanFL

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me, not so much - and I must say...yet.

Much of the 'luster' of Olympic games are tarnished, for me.

First the 1-year delay in holding the Games due to Covid. Then the decision not to have ANY public attend the Games. Then the issues re some USA athletes and the anthem. Then, in the last couple weeks Covid has arisen in Japan, impacting some athletes. And of course the non-Live issue of holding the Games in Asia. So we'd already know results - such as the Women's soccer team losing 3-0 to Sweden - so....why tune in and watch? With all this NBC must be sweating after their $$$$$ investment.

I will probably do 'selective tuning-in'.

But I certainly enjoyed Wimbeldon tennis and the golf Open in England, even the Euro soccer championship. time will tell with the Olympics. I've been to Japan 10 times during my business career, and love the country, the people, and their spirit. But they can't catch a break re the Olympics.
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Alway like watch badminton, table tennis. Weight lifting 🏋️*♀️.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by aallbrand

Thank got the world is not run by old folks who forget whats its like to speak up for injustice.and use what ever platform to make change. The young are the future. Many of the same folks who boycott sports because some athletes try to bring change were rebels when they were young but grew up to be jaded and selfish

out with the old in with the new

You’re got to be kidding. World ran by young folks! Every county has OLD folks in charge. Especially this country.

[Taltarzac725]

The parade of nations was fun. Sure are a lot of athletes representing the USA!!! 613. Here’s Which U.S. States Sent The Most Athletes To The Tokyo Olympics

[Chi-Town]

Gotta check out surfing. Also the Golf Channel for 4 days of stroke play.

[LateBoomer]

now that people are insulting my country and flag, my interest is zero. I won't watch even one minute of it.

[DeanFL]

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A bit off-topic, but I'm the OP so... A bit relative to the topic - ie - some not respecting the USA anthem or flag. I read this on MANY sources -check if you want- and had to sigh... yet another example of creating and fostering DIVISION in our country... sad.

NFL To Play Black National Anthem As Part Of It’s Initiative To Battle Systematic Racism

The NFL will continue its initiative and commitment towards battling systematic racism. The league initiated a 10-year, $250 million commitment to combat systemic racism via the signage, helmet decals and in-stadium Public Service Announcements in June 2020. As part of its initiative, it will play “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at all NFL pregame ceremonies, starting with the September 9 season opener.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” has been widely recognized as the black national anthem. The song will be played in addition to “The Star-Spangled Banner” before every game in the 2021 season. It will also be played during high-profile events such as opening day on September 9, all playoff games including the Super Bowl and the league’s college draft.
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