Priority Should Be Given To Those Who Train For Four Years, Not Dream Team Athletes
Beach volleyball could slide, too, because it's really the only time most of the world gets to see the players, and they deserve to see the best the sport provides.
Tennis provides an interesting dilemma; when it come to the Olympics it's really a "tweener" sport. On the one hand, it would be good to see the stars – Sharapova, Federer, etc. – but we just watched them in Wimbledon. What's so special about seeing them again so soon? Where do the other players even come from, considering everyone turns pro at 15 anyway. Perhaps tennis could count this as a "fifth major" every four years, or just go completely back to the Olympic roots and make it purely for amateurs.
The Dream Teams have been great publicity for the Olympics and their leagues, but it's time the traditional type of Olympic athletes are again allowed to shine like the medals they pursue.
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Revising The Rule For Professional Athletes in the Olympics
Priority Should Be Given To Those Who Train For Four Years, Not Dream Team Athletes
Beach volleyball could slide, too, because it's really the only time most of the world gets to see the players, and they deserve to see the best the sport provides.
Tennis provides an interesting dilemma; when it come to the Olympics it's really a "tweener" sport. On the one hand, it would be good to see the stars – Sharapova, Federer, etc. – but we just watched them in Wimbledon. What's so special about seeing them again so soon? Where do the other players even come from, considering everyone turns pro at 15 anyway. Perhaps tennis could count this as a "fifth major" every four years, or just go completely back to the Olympic roots and make it purely for amateurs.
The Dream Teams have been great publicity for the Olympics and their leagues, but it's time the traditional type of Olympic athletes are again allowed to shine like the medals they pursue.
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