What do you mean by "going to the athletes"?
Isn't the Olympics reserved for amateurs (as in unpaid) athletes only?
Are the athletes receiving any money at the Olympics?
Isn't the Olympics reserved for amateurs (as in unpaid) athletes only?
Are the athletes receiving any money at the Olympics?
Since 1988, the international federations of each sport have been allowed to set the rules for professional participation. For instance, in the largest of global sports, football (soccer), the players can be professionals, but they have to be under 23 years old, with just three over-age players allowed.
No. Look at any of the sports that have large followings outside the Olympics: Soccer, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, etc.
In 1989 FIBA modified its rules allowing professional athletes, such as NBA players, to compete internationally.[8] FIBA agreed in April 1989 to allow professionals to play in the Olympics, despite American and Russian votes against the proposal. USA Basketball asked the NBA to supply players for its 1992 roster;
if 24 years is recent. I just realized that I'm an old man now.
I don't follow sports, my knowledge about the Olympics dates from high school, and let's just say that this was before 1992!
Most countries pay athletes a fairly large sum if they medal as well.
Amateurs, except for the tennis players, the football players, and the bicycle riders. All of which are the big name stars who get paid to compete in other dedicated tournaments. I'm sure there are others too but those are the most promoted sports.
I don't think the ones above get paid for the Olympics though.
Regarding compensation, it depends on the country, but I think many will get a bonus payment for medals or good performance. But anyway, the real money lies in advertising deals that athletes can get once they become big names (except for countries that have other types of compensation systems, e.g. North Korea).
So then there is absolutely no point in watching. Well, not until they start the doping league. (Should we debate whether the current one is?)
Even if you like the competition those seem like strong reasons not to watch.
I personally think that if you are going to allow finely engineered shoes, poles, javelins, boats, balls, bicycles, then you should allow finely engineered bodies.