Professional Athletes, Individual Sports

Extensive experience (in high school and college sports) and a track record of high performance in their sport are required to become a professional athlete. 

Professional athletes need to dedicate themselves to constant training and a continuous pursuit of excellence in their sport.  They should be in top physical condition and compete as often as possible to improve their skills.  They must know how to deal with the stress of championship competition and enjoy the opportunity of playing in front of large crowds.

There is so much competition to be among the world's elite athletes in any given sport that talent alone isn't the primary requirement. Diligence, perseverance, hard work, ambition, and courage are all essential qualities to the individual who dreams of making a career as a professional athlete.