At what point does an athlete need to hire a publicist, agent, lawyer, etc?

Question

I heard the name of Michael Phelps agent mentioned. When does the status of an athlete change from amateur to a professional athlete.

Answer 1

i think at the point that you are recognized and u are making good money. second question: it changes when u compete professionally, competitions are divided into amateur and pro so if u compete in amateur u are it, if u compete professionally u are pro. this is what i think.

Answer 2

Actually, oftentimes athletes have their personal team in place once they have shown potential of going pro. Agents and lawyers are hired while a player is still in school. And, after their game is recognized and seems promising, publicist come into play.

So, do trust that Phelps has had an agent, publicist, etc. way before Beijing.