Professional Amateurism

The difference between a professional and an amateur is not necessarily the level of skill, but rather that professionals do “the thing” for a living, while an amateur does it for love. In a 2022 article by Natalia Beard, she said, “When we denigrate the amateur, we dismiss the fact the at the origin of the word ‘amateur’ is the Latin verb ‘amare’-to love. Our passions are what make up our inner life, a place of consolation where things of meaning are stored and preserved, ready to be drawn on whenever we want or need them. They should be cultivated at all costs.” Peter Gray, PhD says, “The difference may lie in the dimensions of motivation and attitude, not competence.” To be an amateur does equate to accepting a “lessor than” status when doing “the thing”, but it might equate to a lessor capitalistic pursuit of “the thing”. 

 We are in the 2nd week of the 2026 Winter Olympics and just 2 weeks ago was the Westminster Dog Show in New York City. Many, but not all, of those who compete in both the Olympics and Westminster are professional amateurs. The road to these events is a long one. There are always people learning, training and preparing at home, people competing for the experience, and those who are ready to win. Even still, at these events, there are often failures, unexpected wins, and those who reach their full potential at just the right time. Some professionals are defeated by amateurs. Mental preparation can become more important than physical preparation. 

 I am enjoying watching the Olympics, but I don’t follow these sports during the year. I really enjoyed watching Westminster because I know many of the handlers and dogs. Andy Linton, the handler of Doberman, Penny, the winner of the 150th Westminster Kennel Club show, is a two time winner of Westminster. When I lived in Tucson, Arizona, Andy lived in California and I got to know him a bit. When I moved to Idaho he had moved to Washington and I caught up with him at a show. I have long admired Andy and it was thrilling to see him win again. 

 Congratulations to all who dream, train, compete, and risk. Professional or amateur, the thrill of victory is addictive, unmatched, and not guaranteed.