Quote:
Originally Posted by Barnes
I completely understand what you are saying. All I am saying is that the ones that we consider amateur athletes are not by any means amateur athletes for the most part. Most receive payment in the form of sponsorships, stipends, etc. It seems as though if their sport doesn't offer them the opportunity to make enough money to support their family and retire on, they are amateurs.
The athletes we only watch every four years and not every Saturday night are amateurs because the public only cares about them for two weeks every four years. Doesn't mean they aren't out there competing on a regular basis just as hard as an NHL player competes for the Stanley Cup.
The Stanley Cup was to be played for by amateurs as well. The history of hockey is riddled with arguments about who can and can not play for the championship.
Like Communism, amateur competition at the Olympics is a great idea in theory but becomes unmanageable.
I just like the fact that I can watch the top athletes in various sports all compete. The amount of money they make is not any of my business.
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OK and that's all fine but in the context of this discussion - that is - who should light the flame - who is a better representative of the typical olympic athlete.
I would add my favourite suggestion so far is Terry Fox's mom.