Should Olympic athletes get paid?

1. 71

   Gamerelatedposted 12 years ago

   Should Olympic athletes get paid?
   
   The U.S. Olympic committee does pay athletes a bonus for earning medals, but they do not pay athletes to just participate.  High profile athletes like NBA star Dwayne Wade have spoken out--suggesting that athletes should get paid.  The International Olympic Committee makes millions of dollars from ticket sales and ad revenue.  Should the Olympic Committee share some of that money with the athletes?  What do you think?
   
   

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2. 95

   e-fiveposted 12 years ago

   Athletes that win medals get bonuses.  http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-olympi … 23656.html

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      Gamerelatedposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you e-five, for taking the time to help answer this question.   I did mention in the details of the question that the Olympic Committee pays bonuses for medals.   I just wanted to know if people think that athletes should get paid to compete.

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3. 38

   kalokairiposted 12 years ago

   I know that Greeks professional athletes paid from a Greek special organization for Greek Athletes,because they can't practice and work in the same time.And i believe that athletes who participate in olympics have extra Bonus.And it is fair for me.But the majority of Greek athletes are students who dont work .If they win a metal they gain also many privilages as like a work in the  Greek army.Like the Greek ancient years.

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      Gamerelatedposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hello kalokairi, I am glad Greece helps their athletes.   Thank you for giving us some international perspective on this question.

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4. 69

   Rebecca2904posted 12 years ago

   I think one of the fundamental points of the Olypmics is that the athletes are not professionals - although that's been a little bit skewed since the introduction of some other sports into the Olympics such as football. So no, I don't really think they should be payed, as I feel that would go against the initial premise of the Olympic games.

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      Gamerelatedposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I do see where you are coming from.  Participating in the Olympics is about representing your country and yourself.  It is about bringing people together in the spirit of international competition.  Thanks Rebecca2904 for answering my question.

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5. 0

   Garifaliaposted 12 years ago

   NO. In no way should Olympic atheletes get paid. The games are commercial enough as it is. But because their training and gear is costly, they should have appropriate sponsors. Remember the Olympic Spirit?

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      Gamerelatedposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hello Garifalia, I think it is because the Olympics are commercial and makes so much money that some athletes think that they should get some of that money.   As for sponsors, rule 40 says that the athletes cannot promote sponsors on Twitter.

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      Garifaliaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for going to the trouble and responding to all of us. Not everyone does that. Is your last sentence correct?

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      Gamerelatedposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      If people take the time to answer my question then I should take the time to at least say thank you.  Rule 40 actually covers even more than Twitter.  Let me refer you to the official social media section of rule 40:  http://goo.gl/2ou5V

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