Blog / What Do I Need to Do to Become an Olympic Athlete?

What Makes a Athlete a Professional?
Athletes who are paid to practice and compete in formal athletic competitions, usually for entertainment value, are considered professional athletes. Individuals who enjoy team sports can sign up for teams in professional leagues that are already set up. Track and swimming athletes, for example, may benefit financially from corporate sponsorships or from winning important competitions.

What Skill Sets Do I Need to Develop?
It's important to note that different sports and positions in the athletics industry call for different skill sets and physical characteristics. Wrestling and boxing, for example, limit the number of people who can compete because of their weight. But if you want to be a professional athlete, you should start working on your leg, arm, and core strength as early as possible, as well as your agility, stamina, and flexibility. In addition to endurance, teamwork, and patience, your early coaches are likely to emphasize these virtues.

There's a lot of mental toughness involved in being a professional athlete. It is crucial to be able to anticipate the actions of your opponents and to keep track of things like your team's timeouts or the game clock. Many professional athletes are unprepared for the pressures of fame and money that come with competing at the top levels, so it's a good idea to brush up on the basics of business and psychology.

The training regimens, knowledge, and intuition of athletes differ by sport. Only the most talented athletes from the lower levels of high school athletics are selected to compete at the collegiate level in Division One, thus making it to the starting lineup and becoming a state standout is essential. Only one in 5,000 high school athletes make it to the professional level in their particular sports.

How Do I Become a Professional Athlete?
Even world record holders and hall of famers have to wait for years on the bench before they get their chance to shine in the big leagues. Hiring a promoter or agent may be an option for some professional sports leagues to avoid this situation. In order to locate the team and coach willing to give you an opportunity, an agent can assist you discover one. You may express your commitment to the team, your personality, and your down-to-earth approach by volunteering at local fundraisers, team autograph signings, or other social gatherings.

Is There a Consequence to Becoming an Olympic Athlete?
Injuries to non-fatal workers in the sports industry are among the greatest, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Only a small percentage of professional athletes remain at the top of their game for more than a few years at a time. A select handful of these top stars will go on to earn millions of dollars in sponsorship deals and other lucrative deals.

Alternate Pathways to a Career in a Field That's Related
Fitness trainer or teacher jobs are an alternative to becoming a professional athlete. It's possible to engage with individuals or groups to provide instruction on how to perform exercises that improve overall health or prepare them for a specific activity. This position requires simply a high school diploma, although many companies prefer applicants with an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in a health or fitness-related field. A career as a sports official, such as a referee or umpire, is another possibility. In order to maintain the integrity of the competition, officials may call penalties, assess performances, and examine equipment. Most sports officials only work part-time, therefore they may also have a full-time occupation. Training requirements vary by state and sport, although a high school graduation is often necessary.