Chloe Goes Pro

good for her. She can use the endorsement money to pay for college like Phelps did. Or, she can train and just go to school part time. It is a rigorous schedule to do 15 hour credits and train 20 some hours a week. Just my two cents, college swimming isn't that thrilling. Of course, I didn't swim for a great program like Michigan or Texas or Stanford. LCM meets are thrilling.

I didn't know that pros weren't allowed to amateur events. Well that goes without saying I guess. To me, Olympic marathon compares to pro world cup circuit like Olympic cycling road race compares to Pro Tour events (e.g. Tour de France, GIRO, Vuelta and all). I very strongly disagree with not allowing pros in these races. There's money involved and often, that money makes some difference for these kids. Nop. Really, who do they think they are with their short marathon occurring once every 4 years? Hard work in endless events in rough conditions, for money, is still how this sport should be defined. Olympics, that's just exhibition. Forcing kids to swim without being paid, darn I disagree! Fina should revise their position, behave like cycling federation (to name this one) and still, a 1500 specialist remains in a good position given a full year of preparation to win this. Alex Leduc, a 400 specialist that trained in our team won his first international event (40k) at his 2nd summer. That whilst still focusing on the 400 during autumn winter. In flat and quiet conditions, these torpedos are well respected by the pro crowd. She has made an excellent choice!

I didn't know that pros weren't allowed to amateur events. Well that goes without saying I guess. ... She has made an excellent choice! The NCAA, which governs collegiate athletics in the USA has always maintained that professional atletes would not be allowed. That is why you often read about collegiate football and basketball stars "going pro" which effectively puts an end to their NCAA career. Many argue that lavish scholarships, room and board waivers, lavish travel conditions and such effectively make many collegiate athletes (football seeming to get the best conditions) "semi" professionals anyway. But no money is allowed to change hands. There used to be a time when the Olympics were "non-professional", but that is long gone.

Minor point - (someone correct me if I am wrong) Phelps got tons of endorsement money but he did not go to college at Michigan. He swam for the club team. With the amount of money he has gotten he is set for life and really has no need for a degree. That said, each person has to make his or her own decision on this based upon many factors. Isn't it nice that swimmers now have a choice! Good for Chloe.:cheerleader:

Minor point - (someone correct me if I am wrong) Phelps got tons of endorsement money but he did not go to college at Michigan. He swam for the club team. Yes, I have to correct you. He did attend U of M. He was listed as a "volunteer assistant coach" with the UM swim team, so I presume that meant he trained with them, not the club team. As far as I know he didn't complete his degree before moving back to Baltimore, though.

I stand corrected. Thank you.:bow:

The NCAA, which governs collegiate athletics in the USA has always maintained that professional atletes would not be allowed. That is why you often read about collegiate football and basketball stars "going pro" which effectively puts an end to their NCAA career. Many argue that lavish scholarships, room and board waivers, lavish travel conditions and such effectively make many collegiate athletes (football seeming to get the best conditions) "semi" professionals anyway. But no money is allowed to change hands. There used to be a time when the Olympics were "non-professional", but that is long gone. thanks a lot for the clarification. I had missed the point. So professional marathoners can perform the Olympic marathon(?) But she had to give up to the college team due to NCAA rulings. Well that's sad. Scholarships are probably what explains this. Here in Quebec (Canada), there are no scholarships for varsity level swimmers. That level of swimming is secondary (in interest) compared to club level therefore, no money, no glamor, no problem. Pros were allowed in our team back to when I was a coach.