Today, the distinction between the professional and the amateur is purely a matter of sporting success. Most athletes start their career by winning competitions for non - professionals before deciding (17)__________ themselves to their chosen sport. However, for a long time, it used to be believed that getting paid for a sporting (18)__________ destroyed the ancient Olympic thought of people simply trying to do their best for the love of the sport.
In fact, even participants in ancient Olympic events were able to make large amounts of money from winning. At the games themselves, only a laurel wreath (19)__________ to the winner, but back in his home town, he could become very rich.
During most of the 20th century, professionals were disallowed from entering the Olympics. This gave the wealthy an advantage (20)__________ they could afford to train and compete without needing to earn money. In 1988, the IOC (21)__________ for International Olympic Committee) decided to allow professionals to take part in the Olympics. Only boxing and football still restrict the number of professionals allowed to compete. Boxing does not allow professionals at all, while Olympic football teams are allowed up to three professionals (22)__________ the side.
- A. concentrate on B. in focus C. to devote D. aim at
- A. action B. performance C. activity D. recreation
- A. was awarded B. was earned C. were gained D. were rewarded
- A. but B. despite C. since D. although
- A. which stands B. which takes C. which means D. which goes
- A. into B. at C. to D. on
