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AMATEURS AND PROFESSIONALS
AT THE ANCIENT OLYMPICS: PROBLEMS AND
PROSPECTS OF PROFESSIONALISM TODAY
by Wondimu TADESSE (ETH)
In the ancient Olympics amateur sportsmen and sportswomen
took part in sport because of the enjoyment and satisfaction they
get from the activity. They were not paid for it.
At present professional sportsmen and sportswomen who participate
in the Olympics are paid to compete in sport. Winning
is all-important. The more successful they are, the more money
they earn. They usually train full-time and devote full time to
the sport. Sport is their means of living. They sign contracts and
take part in competitions.
The modern Olympics have been for amateurs only. They are
based in the ancient games and it is often assumed that they
were for amateurs. The truth is quite different the athletes are
in my terms, professionals. The true amateur spirit, of fairplay
and friendship, was not always seen either. Today eligibility for
the games has moved away from the spirit of amateurism.
However the Games held at Olympia were special. Unlike other
Games, no prizes were awarded for winning. The glory and fame
to be gained was thought sufficient to attract all the very best
athletes. This was true. Winning at Olympia was prized above all
else.
The people who controlled sport in the second half of the nineteenth
century faced many problems. Sport was developing quickly.
People from all classes were becoming involved. Payments and
rewards needed controls. Business interests were sky rocketing
in this field.
It was obvious that rules and regulations were needed. There
were worries that professionalism could not be prevented from
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