No restrictions. Or, no restrictions!?
Pierre De Coubertin had a vision of only making the Olympics for amateurs - a public scenario without the product professionally-skilled restrictions. However, today we have both amateurs and professionals participating in the Olympics. Adding professionals makes for superb competition. Spectators recognize big names. Do not forget that the professional athletes also receive more attention from sponsors if they do well in the Olympics (cue the gold medal winning men's ice hockey athletes from Sochi.) Amateurs provide entertaining skills as well.
If you ask 100 people the question: should professional athletes be involved in the Olympic Games, then a handful will say, "yes", and another handful will say, "no". Without taking the grey-area in this argument, hopefully "no" will win in the end - yes, a return to normalcy. What does this mean athletically?
The inclusion of professionals means that the amateurs have a very slim chance of making it to the Olympic Games, especially in big name Olympic sports such as, basketball and ice hockey. However, the professionals already receive accolades for being a pro of their respected sport. We see them at least 82 games out of the year. But, what about the college kids? Fewer individuals may know their names, but it does not mean they cannot play in the Olympics. Of course, a college student who participates in the Olympics may have to skip that year or season (several of the women's ice hockey players at Sochi who are still in college did not play for their college team this season; in addition, they may not have been enrolled during the academic year.)
Amateurs will give the focus needed to succeed in the Olympics. They are inspirational. Spectators get plenty of inspiration from watching the Olympics. How many of you felt like you could speed skate (long track) after watching speed skating?...Just me? Maybe you like ski jumping. It's fine. In everything, the Olympic Games have the capability to inspire even if you practice self-imagery for two minutes.
Citius. Altius. Fortius.
With heart,
Derek
Derek Arledge, CSCS www.teempt.com TEEM Performance Training
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