Posts: 283
3/14/10 2:53 P

I never thought of myself as an athlete but according to dictionary.com, While I'm not gifted I'm a participant so therefore I am, still don't feel like one though

"a person trained or gifted in exercises or contests involving physical agility, stamina, or strength; a participant in a sport, exercise, or game requiring physical skill. "

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3/13/10 8:46 P

athlete |ˈaθˌlēt|
noun
a person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise.
• chiefly Brit. a person who is skilled in competitive track and field events (athletics).
ORIGIN late Middle English : from Latin athleta, from Greek athlētēs, from athlein ‘compete for a prize,’ from athlon ‘prize.’

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3/13/10 8:42 P

I used to be a pro athlete, but right now I'd be good to place in amateur class.

Basically, to me, being an athlete is simply being good enough at a sport and in good enough shape to enjoy it.

With that as my requirement, then yes, I'm still an athlete. I don't have to get paid or have a sponsorship to consider myself one (and neither should you!).

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3/12/10 3:41 P

webster's says "a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina" So I would say yes.

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3/12/10 1:52 A

As a retired amateur bike racer and triathlete, I do consider myself an athlete even though I don't compete anymore. I still do some occasional races but not competitively anymore.
Probably anyone who really makes an effort to become fit... then strives to improve their fitness, even though they are not competing, is an athlete.
It's all about trying to do your best and consistently trying to improve.

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3/12/10 1:21 A

Maybe another definition of "athlete" would be some one who pays an entry fee to get a race number and does a course that a third party had laid out, at a time that suited the third party and not necessarily yourself.
In that case I am an athelete.
(We used to say that the difference between a jogger and a runer is the entrance fee)

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3/11/10 8:53 P

No, not really. While I cycle throughout the year, and hit the gym 4-5 times a week, I'm doing to keep up with myself, not to support any competition. Still, I do consider myself somewhat athletic.

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3/11/10 8:47 P

After some thought, I think I am. I asked my friend who is a triathlete, of course I figured she was. I've only raced twice, I don't think competition necessarily means you're an athlete. I value our sport, though, and strive to get better at it.

What about a fixie rider that competes in alley cats, athlete?

Bike commuter?

Weekend warrior recumbent rider?

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3/11/10 7:46 P

For sure, and I work hard at it....

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3/11/10 7:40 P

I dont know what i am but I like it

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3/11/10 6:15 P

Put me in the 'yes' column. I think that if you regularly participate in sport, whether it is individual or against others, you qualify. To me a love of sport through participation is key.

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3/11/10 6:02 P

No , even though I cycle most throughout the Summer, Lift weights 3 days a week and do cardio at least 4 days a week I am by no means an athlete. I do consider myself athletic however.

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3/11/10 5:18 P

You have some of the best questions, requiring some thoughtful answers.

But it is accepted that cycling is a sport, and I regularly participate in cycling, it should be accepted that I am an athlete. Far from professional, and don't compete against anyone, but frequently compete (if that is the appropriate term) with a lot of people who challenge each other.

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3/11/10 5:01 P

Oh yes INDEED I am!!! I workout hard, achieve my goals and better myself within each of my sports!!!

I may not go up against others, but I have no need to, since I am competitive and push myself with each effort!

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3/11/10 4:43 P

I think an athlete is someone who competes against others.

Although I have done some racing, I have always only competed against myself. So by my own definition, I do not qualify.

But since I am not dead yet, it could happen! lol

Edited by: CRELLA at: 3/11/2010 (16:43)

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3/11/10 4:30 P

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Athlete (sports))
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A sportsperson (gendered as sportsman or sportswoman) or athlete is a person who participates regularly in a sport. (For the different meaning of "athlete" in British and American English, see Athlete of the Year.)

Athletes can be professional or amateur. A superior athlete is one who has above average physical skills (strength, agility, and endurance) and is thus more suited for physical competition. The word athletes is a direct Romanticization of the Greek: άθλητης [athletes], one who participates in a contest.

Given that I'm an amateur that regularly participates in the sport, I'm an athlete. I also run, take karate, aerobics, and lift weights but that shouldn't matter.

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3/11/10 4:12 P

I guess part of this question starts with what you think an athlete is, then the second part is if you feel you meet those criteria.

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