Am I using the word ‘Athlete’ incorrectly? Is there a better word to describe the members who work out at our fitness center and the amazing physical feats they perform every week? Once these Summer Olympic Games began, curiosity got the best of me. The word Athletics is derived from the Greek word "athlos,” meaning "contest" or "task." Initially, the term was used to describe athletic contests in general – i.e. sporting competition based primarily on human physical feats. When I use the term Athlete, this is my intention. Is it still valid?

Discus Throw.

10,000 Meter.

High Jump.

Javelin Throw.

Decathlon.

Long Jump.

Marathon.

Pole Valult.

Heptathlon.

Shot Put.

Steeplechase.

Triple Jump.

What do all of these Olympic Events have in common? They all fall under the umbrella sport of ‘Athletics.’ And they all involve some form of track and field, cross country, road running and racewalking.

Athletics was contested in the first ancient Olympic Games, and champions have been recorded from as far back as 776 BC. Throughout recorded sports history, athletics has always been practiced. The first event contested in the ancient Olympic Games was the “stadium” race, a sprint of about 192 meters (interesting!). Much like today, the ancient Olympic Games included a wide variety of track and field events. Such events included longer foot races, a race in heavy armor (really?), and a pentathlon event that consisted of the “stadium” race, long jump, discus throw, javelin throw and wrestling. The modern format of Athletics, in which a variety of running, jumping, throwing, walking and combined events are competed at a single “meeting” or “meet”, evolved in the late 19th century, when schools and military colleges began to incorporate sports and exercise as part of education programs.

But even now, Athlete(s) may refer to:

A person who is involved in Athletics (sport), which involves track and field events, long distance, cross-country and road running, and race walking

OR

A person who participates regularly in a sport, an individual with strong all-around athletic ability that indicates the potential to succeed at multiple positions (this is my intent!).

Now that's cleared up, I can continue on with my day...

Make it Count!

DeAnne