Definition of athlete

The word "athlete" originated from the Greek word "ἄθλητnavigator" (athlētēs), which means "practitioner of athletic exercises" or "wrestler". In ancient Greece, an "athlētēs" referred to a person who competed in the ancient Olympic Games or other athletic events, such as running, boxing, wrestling, and chariot racing. The term "athlete" was first used in English in the 15th century to describe a person who engages in physical competition or sports. Over time, the term has expanded to include a broader range of physical activities, including modern sports like football, basketball, and tennis. Today, an "athlete" is generally defined as someone who is trained and skilled in a particular sport or physical activity, and who competes at a high level. Interestingly, the term "athlete" is still closely tied to its Greek origins, with the prefix "ath-" and the suffix "-lete" being remnants of the ancient word.