Band 7+: Famous sportsmen often earn a lot more money than people in other professions. Although sport is important to our lives, everyone should be equal and such a big income of sport professionals is unjustified? To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people argue that it is unfair for athletes to make a large sum of money compared to other professionals. While understanding that their career is challenging yet entertaining, which brings athletes millions of dollars, I agree that other careers, such as teaching and medicals, deserve equal pay as sportsmen due to their responsibilities and sacrifice for their jobs.

The enormous amount of money athletes earn is a result of the physical and mental stress they endure to bring enjoyment to people who support them. Sportsmen have to follow tough training from dusk till dawn and a strict diet which is limited to lean protein and a restricted amount of fat. In addition, they often face heavy stress regarding their performance to achieve their own goals and the whole team’s. Many top athletes, including the world-champion swimmer Adam Peaty, have admitted that they have experienced anxiety and pressure as world-class sports individuals. Athletes work hard not only for themselves and their own careers but also to entertain and not disappoint their fans, who buy tickets and even fly to the venues where athletes compete to support them. This is why professional sportspeople deserve a big income.

On the other hand, other professionals, such as teachers and doctors, should get paid as high as sportsmen. They have significant roles in society, with teachers responsible for shaping the future of young generations, and doctors saving people’s lives. Furthermore, they often work long hours to deliver the best education and treatment to their students and patients. For instance, a day of a teacher is not only about teaching, but also includes thousands of hours working meticulously at the back to prepare engaging lessons. Meanwhile, doctors work around the clock to take care of their patients. The COVID-19 pandemic witnessed the sacrifice of frontline doctors and nurses to ensure every life was saved. As a result, it is unfair for these professionals to get paid less than athletes.

In conclusion, it is undeniable that sports careers are full of challenges, and for that, they deserve high pay. However, other occupations, like teachers and doctors, also have to deal with difficulties to fulfil the duties that society expects from them. Therefore, it would be justified if these professionals get paid as equally as athletes.