I thought professionals couldn't compete in an olympics, yet Ronaldinho is playing football, how come?

Question

I have noticed 2 or 3 proffesional sports men and women competing in the Beijing olympics, I was always under the impression it was strictly an amateur only competition?

Answer 1

Its always been a mildly grey area in regards to football, because most people good enough to play it for the olympics are good enough to play it professionally and therefore generally do...

Answer 2

Yeah I hear you. Back in the early 1900's Jim Thorpe had played one game for pay and then went to the olympics, won several medals in track and field till they found out of his money making where upon they stripped him of his medals.

Yet today we see Kobe playing and several others playing that make millions. And what about Yao Ming?

Answer 3

professionals can also play in Olympic Games. The rule is:

the players who are under 23 can attend the Olympic Games and in each team 4 players above 23 are allowed.

This rule is only for men footaball. No restriction to women.

No matter they are professionals or not, they can attend the Olympic Games.

Answer 4

The Olympics have been open since 1992 where have you been living?

You only have to look at the Tennis players to see that!!!!!!!  

Answer 5

no it's based on skill alone

Answer 6

like you i was also of the impression that the games was not for proffesionals.yesterday in my local pub there was quite a strong debate on the subject.why its allowed i do not know,but i think its to do with greed and ego.

Answer 7

They have relaxed this rule a lot in recent years. It used to be strictly amateur but nowadays most elite sports people get big sponsorship deals and many get paid to attend specific events anyway so I guess they had to relax the rules. I think it is amateur only in so far as the competitors do not get paid to attend.

Answer 8

so why I , I wondered why Nadel was allowed to play tennis the other day.Abit unfair on the non professionals isn't it.

Answer 9

a better question is why can a lot of group sports have professionals play at the olympics and not boxing..  

Answer 10

yes they can play....   as thats what country they are from... they dont get paid for it though.. hence messi, ronaldinho, and others  are in it

Answer 11

The non-professionals rule was several years ago. Take a look at Tennis (Nadal and Federer), Basketball (USA or Spain team) or Swimming (Phelps, Crocker) just as examples.