What ever happened to the Olympics being an amateur competition? Why is it full of pro athletes now?

Question

I thought the Olympics was supposed to be a competition of the world's best AMATEUR athletes. Why are there so many pro athletes in it now then? I think this takes away from the whole idea of the olympics.

Answer 1

i say the all the pros of every sport should be in there, i wanna know who it the best in the world, not just the best out of a few groups

pro boxers should be in there

Answer 2

Yes I don't think they should be allowed but the almighty advertising dollar has spoken I would be just as happy watching the up and coming young sportsmen compete in fact I would rather see them.

Answer 3

boxing is still amateur

Answer 4

everything evolves, so why is olympic an exception?

Answer 5

I've never heard of that. I thought Olympics was to honor the best athletes no the worst??

Answer 6

It goes back to hockey and basketball and the "Cold War".  The Soviets were putting there drugged up super droids in competition and the only way to compete was to put pros in the mix.

Answer 7

I never understood why being a professional athlete should disqualify someone for the Olympics.  I want to see the best, not just the best amateurs.