In a modern interpretation, the word " sport" includes all types of physical exercises. And, as a result, it seems that an athlete is any physically developed person.
But is it really so? To answer this question, you need to give an exact definition of the word "sport". In the explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov it is indicated that sport is represented by complexes of physical exercises aimed at developing and strengthening the body, competitions in exercises and complexes, as well as a system for organizing and conducting competitions. That is, we can put an equal sign between the words “ sport” and “ competition” . A prerequisite for sports is the presence of the public and the interest of those involved.
Sport is different
Exercise is not limited to sports alone; in addition to it, several more groups can be distinguished:
- physical education or athletics, that is, classes to maintain physical fitness;
- Demonstration - showing exercises without a competitive element;
- actually the competition.
Everyone knows that there are classes and training "for themselves" when people train to maintain their own body in good shape, and do not think about any competition. For such people, the designation " athlete" or " athletic" is suitable .
It should be understood that there is only one similarity between athletics and sports - in both cases, people are engaged in the physical development of their body. But sport is both exhausting training and competition. Athletics, in the first place, is maintaining health, improving the body, the ability of each person to personally determine the frequency and intensity of classes. Thus, we can say that an athlete is not the same as an athlete or a sportsman.
Sport: the reverse side of the coin
Although many believe that athletes perform in front of the audience for free, this is not so. Take the same Olympic Games. For a long time they were considered free. In fact, the performances of athletes at the games are paid, although this is not advertised.
Like any work, the activities of athletes need to be paid, because everyone needs means of subsistence. And besides, training also requires considerable financial costs, and every athlete understands this perfectly. For training, equipment and equipment, enhanced nutrition, and often the treatment of occupational injuries and diseases are needed.
Money and sports
Some Russian athletes in their interviews reported that they devote training to seven or more hours a day - and when else is there to make money?
There are various pay schemes for athletes. For example, in the USA, famous athletes are students of various educational institutions or trainers of sports teams. These are just a few examples of payment in sports, although in fact there are many more.
Given the above, it can be assumed that such a phenomenon as amateur sports simply does not exist. After all, the word " amateur" means that a person does something in his spare time. And every real athlete is a professional who devotes his life to his work.