Only the naive believe they're in it "for country."
It's about personal glory and a hopeful payday -- let's face it.
That's why I couldn't give a rat's @ss about the Olympics.
I thought about this when watching Olympic hockey.
Given the choice between the US winning a Gold Medal in Hockey, and Finland player (and Dallas Star) Jere Lehtinen not getting hurt, I would gladly give up a US Gold Medal for Lehtinen staying healthy. This is not 1980. That's why pros in the Olympics don't work. The US tied Latvia, because even though the US is more talented, hockey is a team sport, and you just can't put a bunch of guys together and have them play as a team, they need time to work together.
You're right, it has become profesionalized and tainted to an extent.
But there are some athletes, who still are in it for the sport and for their countries...hey, if that brings millions in endorsements...so be it.
An example is the 23 yo. Australian Freestyle Moguls gold medal winner...he is an intenet millionaire. Despite little practice time due to his working on his company, he still wants to ski and compete.
Shani Davis is the opposite...I will be rooting against him and could care less about medals the US may or may not get with that punk.
"Do athletes really go to the Olympics for their country, or for themselves?"
Only the naive believe they're in it "for country."
It's about personal glory and a hopeful payday -- let's face it.
I have to disagree with you...somewhat
When Canadians finish an event, doesn't matter what place they finished, be it 1-2 or 29, they come and do an interview with a BIG smile on, if they lose they put no blame on anyone, and ALL are thankfull to represent Canada...
Example...hockey teams...
I'm sure MOST of the hockey players in the Olympics are in it for their country and not for personal gains.
Just cos some spoiled American kicks his foot out at the end of the race to show that HE was the reason why the US SHOULD have won a medal, doesn't mean that all athletes are so full of themselves like that.