Has anyone heard of professional swimming?

[MissMillie]

On our cable news blurbs, I saw that Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky is turning pro.

Do you think she's joining the military or becoming a lifeguard?

Why would anyone be paid to swim? Gambling?

[Sneederbunk]

1. Horse race.

[Lindsay]

2. As I understand it,

a few marquee swimmers are financially sponsored by manufacturers of swim gear. It helps pay for their training, coaching, etc. There's probably some limit to the money, because as far as I know they're still eligible to compete in the Olympics, which is theoretically an amateur competition. But I believe turning pro means they can no longer compete in college sports.

[tonyt53]

3. You are 100% correct.

[ProfessorGAC]

5. Michael Phelps Had Endorsement Deals

Almost from the moment he burst onto the scene. And, obviously, he was in the Olympics over and over.

So, clearly you're correct about them being able to still compete in the games.

And, i certainly don't begrudge him. He may have been the best ever and with the amount of work that took, getting some money for the work is totally fair.

[jmowreader]

4. Not until you brought it up...

https://www.livestrong.com/article/489816-how-to-become-a-pro-swimmer/

[Dave Starsky]

6. Coast Guard rescue swimmer.

[lapucelle]

7. I think once you've accepted endorsement deals

you're considered a pro.