The best example of a "pro" athlete compared to HIS amateur OLYMPIC record is the original " Dream Team " Larry Bird was certainly deserving to be on it, but his place on the team was really a post-career honor.

He never played a game after the Olympics.

When he was "pro" the team doctors could PRESCRIBE any drug they wanted (needed). However during The Olympics Larry Bird had to take the SAME drug test that EVERY other athlete had to.

So while Larry Bird did play, it was just a shadow of himself.

He did win a GOLD medal. But after all ?, it was the DREAM TEAM

Team: Boston Celtics
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 220 lbs
Dream Team stats (per game): 8.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.8 steals
Career stats (per game): 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.7 steals

At the urging of Magic Johnson, Bird agreed to join Team USA on the heels of his final NBA season. Due to back pains, Bird was nowhere near his normal self, but still averaged 8.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Unlike most of the members of the team who were in their athletic primes, Bird was the only one who never played another NBA game after winning gold.

During his 13 years in the league as a Boston Celtic, Bird was virtually unstoppable. He led the Celtics to three championships, won three consecutive MVP awards (1984-1986), was a 12-time All-Star and made the All-NBA First Team 9 times. His sweet shooting stroke, hard-nosed defense and rebounding prowess leaves him as one of the 10 greatest players in NBA history.