OK just read that Katie Hoff has gone professional. Not that this has any bearing on anything but I am bit bummed.
I really was hoping that she would break Pablo’s NCAA records for most wins in college. There is a part of me that
really wants to have swimmers be amateurs, but that is quickly blasted out of the water with all the DUAH! Why
wouldn’t an oober athlete get millions of dollars for their athletic talents --that is years overdue. Does any one think
swimmers will get to be “divas” or “divos” like some professional athletes?
Parents
Former Member
Yes, increased purse size and sponsorship contracts for elite swimmers is an obvious plus to the sport. The problem is the contract sizes don't compare to the contracts being signed in the Big 3. Hopefully the future will change this, and they will one day catch up to the Tiger Woods level...... although I doubt it will be soon. As it stands today, there's enough money to entice a college kid away from amateur status for a good living, but no where near enough money and promotional time to truly advance the sport in the media.
My beef with it all ...... why do we really care about the difference between and amatuer and pro anymore? I don't get it. What is it that the NCAA thinks they are controlling in this amateur definition and lock down? Why do we care if a professional competes in the Olympics anymore? The whole thing seems grossly outdated, and it will eat away at the NCAA championships over time.
John Smith
Yes, increased purse size and sponsorship contracts for elite swimmers is an obvious plus to the sport. The problem is the contract sizes don't compare to the contracts being signed in the Big 3. Hopefully the future will change this, and they will one day catch up to the Tiger Woods level...... although I doubt it will be soon. As it stands today, there's enough money to entice a college kid away from amateur status for a good living, but no where near enough money and promotional time to truly advance the sport in the media.
My beef with it all ...... why do we really care about the difference between and amatuer and pro anymore? I don't get it. What is it that the NCAA thinks they are controlling in this amateur definition and lock down? Why do we care if a professional competes in the Olympics anymore? The whole thing seems grossly outdated, and it will eat away at the NCAA championships over time.
John Smith
