Quote:
Originally Posted by AzNightmare
I've always wondered how do you define the fine line of amateur and pro?
My idea is that if you get paid to play, then you're a pro. But I feel that's also an over simplistic view.
I only follow hockey, but besides NHL, even lower pro leagues like ECHL are still technically "pro" as players are getting paid.
How does it work for all these other events in Olympics? Are there leagues, for example, like speed skating, where these athletes can do it full time and get paid enough to make a living? Or are these athletes competing and training on the side while still doing a basic full time job to put food on the table?
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I think you're right though, if you're getting paid to play you're a pro. Most of them originally were doing it on the side, now I think some might be paid or at least all their living expenses are covered by the gov't when they're training. Some sponsors but I don't imagine that pays much when you're in a sport nobody watches.