Yep, and in the West, many "amateurs" had hidden sponsors. The rule merely kept a out a few of the better athletes whose income was more transparent. IMHO, allowing pros removed a thin fiction and improved the quality of the competition.
Sorry, I disagree.
Disagree that other countries were doing that, or disagree that those athletes whose sole job was to train for their events and were paid by their country are not considered "amateurs"?
I always think they are getting ready for their post-Olympic careers. Maybe modeling or ads or influencer or a combo of all three. The more publicity the better, skimpy bikini bottoms or otherwise.
Or OnlyFans…
That the other countries sole job were paid by their country. It's not like our amateurs were working at McDonald's too. That fairness argument is weak if you ask me. You can disagree with me, that's what's great about this country.
I would have said that about synchronized swimming (now called artistic) but this year it is one of my favorites. They now create platforms and propel swimmers out of the water to flips and spins. Very athletic. The moonwalk was really fun to watch.
I guess I would rather just see the best athletes in the world compete in each event. Eliminating certain athletes just because they happen to be paid for doing their sport diminishes the competition, so we never see the best of the best compete. Having as many people eligible as possible for each event evens the playing field, IMO. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.That the other countries sole job were paid by their country. It's ot like our amateurs were working at McDonald's too. That fairness argument is weak if you ask me. You can disagree with me, that's what's great about this country.
I hadn't watched synchronized / artistic swimming in years, but I really enjoyed seeing a few of the performances this year. It was amazing to me what they could do in the water as a team.
Sure some were working. Many of the stories focused on the sacrifices the families made so the athlete could pursue their dream. I don't think the other countries were providing lives like LeBron James or Larry Bird were living either. Scottie Scheffler is in the Olympics. I would think that the best competition is playing in the current professional leagues.
I guess in the future pickleball will be an Olympic sport.
Yes, I agree that Team USA's group of amateurs beating Russia's professionals will never happen again in the Olympics.
The rules have changed now with college players getting paid so in the past they would have been allowed. Not all college athletes get or accept money so they would be allowed if it stayed the same. They could deal with scholarships the way they did in the past. The Olympics could have kept it the way it was. I remember reading it was about trying to increase viewers and maybe it did but I just disagree with the way it changed the whole event, in my eyes anyway.Yes, I agree that Team USA's group of amateurs beating Russia's professionals will never happen again in the Olympics.
All kidding aside, that brings up an interesting question, and I'm curious on your thoughts. Say that we went back to having the amateur-only rules in place for the Olympics. Would you consider college hockey players (or any collegiate athlete) who has a scholarship and a NIL deal to be an "amateur"? Would the Dream Team have been eligible to play in the Olympics if we had NIL deals back then?
The lines between amateurs and professions is fuzzy, especially depending on the sport and the country. Trying to sort that all out was probably a contributing factor to the Olympic committee making the change.
Kurt
Where were they made??
Google is your friend. They were made by the Paris Mint, which also made the medals for the 1900 Olympic Games, hosted by Paris.
That last three by Steph, stepping back off his left leg, was incredible! A fitting way to end the game. He makes it look so easy, and almost effortless. He’s a joy to watch.
