Odds of Going Pro

Odds of Going Pro

1
5%

Men: 55m time: 6.4 seconds, High Jump: 7 feet, Javelin: 210 feet, Women: 55m time: 7.1 seconds, High Jump: 5'10", Javelin: 140 feet 

So you want to be one of those pro-track and field types that no one has ever heard of. Maybe you can petition for a league or something?

2
25%

Men: 55m time: 6.2 seconds, High Jump: 7'3", Javelin: 240 feet, Women: 55m time: 6.9 seconds, High Jump: 6 feet, Javelin: 160 feet 

How are you making money doing this? How are you even finding events? You're not. With scores like this, the only post-college events you'll be in are the high school ones you sneak back onto. Don't forget to shave that beard.

3
50%

Men: 55m time: 6 seconds, High Jump: 7'6", Javelin: 270 feet, Women: 55m time: 6.6 seconds, High Jump: 6'2" feet, Javelin: 180 feet 

We just want to applaud you for playing through all those injuries. You don't think you're going to have injuries after this time? Your aches are going to have aches. Sadly, that applause is likely the only accolade you'll be getting. Consider getting back to your day job.

4
75%

Men: 55m time: 5.8 seconds, High Jump: 7'8", Javelin: 290 feet, Women: 55m time: 6.4 seconds, High Jump: 6'3", Javelin: 200 feet 

You're dreaming of Olympic gold. Sadly, it's still just a dream. If you're lucky, you might get onto the podium and listen to someone else's national anthem.

5
95%

Men: 55m time: 5.6 seconds, High Jump: 7'10", Javelin: 310 feet, Women: 55m time: 6.2 seconds, High Jump: 6'5", Javelin: 220 feet 

You're pretty much a legend. Now it's time to go big or go home, and that means the Olympics. It also means even more training and sacrifice. Plus, probably not making any money. Not unless you get sponsored…so get comfortable in your parents' basement or get a day job. At least until you've got a medal or two.

Summary:

Ever hear the phrase, "one in a million"? Well, you'll need to be exactly that if you want to go pro. Think about the best high school athlete in your district of 10 high schools. The absolute Big Man in the area. He gets headhunted so hard by colleges that he can barely spare time for his school work, let alone friends. Then, he gets into college and is a total all star there...of the 12 best all stars on his team that year. Well, guess, what? Only one of those guys will be a pro in five years...if this is a top class of athletes out of the the past several years. 

So, even if you're in the 95th percentile of all NCAA athletes in your sport, you've still got a snowball's chance in a microwave of going pro. Not to mention actually mattering at all. More than likely, you'll still be struggling to eke out a living on the bench for a year or stuck on a farm team until you're forced to look for other work. We could bludgeon you with more data and stats, but as you dream about success, just make sure you're hedging your bets.

In other words: enjoy that "alternative" career, Shmooper. (#realtalk)