Definition and Types of Athletes
– An athlete is a person who competes in sports involving physical strength, speed, power, or endurance.
– The word athlete comes from the Greek term ‘athlētēs,’ meaning one who participates in a contest.
– The primary definition of a sportsman is a person who is active in sports, including hunting or fishing.
– Athletes can be professionals or amateurs.
– Most professional athletes have well-developed physiques from extensive physical training and strict dietary regimens.
Physiology and Well-being of Athletes
– Athletes involved in isotonic exercises have increased left ventricular end-diastolic volume and are less likely to be depressed.
– Athletes are more likely than the general population to visit massage salons and seek services from massotherapists and masseurs.
– Athletes whose sport requires endurance usually have a lower calorie intake compared to other athletes.
– Strenuous physical activities of athletes contribute to their overall physical and mental well-being.
– Athletes prioritize maintaining their physical fitness through regular exercise and training.
Genetic Factors in Athletic Performance
– Genetic expression may play a moderate role in an athlete’s abilities.
– Specific variations in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and ACTN3 gene can have a moderate effect on athletic performance.
– ACE gene variations are more prevalent in endurance-based events, while ACTN3 gene variations are more prevalent in power-based events.
– Further studies are recommended to explore other genetic polymorphisms linked to athletic performance.
– Environmental factors still have a significant influence on athleticism.
Titles and Achievements in Athletics
– The title of ‘World’s Greatest Athlete’ traditionally belongs to the top competitor in the decathlon (males) and heptathlon (females) in track and field.
– The decathlon consists of 10 events, while the heptathlon consists of seven events.
– These competitions require athletes to possess various athletic abilities such as speed, strength, coordination, jumping ability, and endurance.
– The title ‘World’s Greatest Athlete’ became associated with the decathlon event after Jim Thorpe’s success in the 1912 Olympics.
– Many athletes have excelled in multiple sports at a professional level, showcasing their versatility and athleticism.
Related Concepts and Terminology
– Athletæ: A text from the 9th edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica discussing athletes.
– Athletics: The overall category of sports that involve running, jumping, and throwing.
– Sportswear (activewear): Clothing designed for athletes to enhance their performance and comfort.
– Outdoor enthusiast: A person who enjoys and participates in outdoor activities, including sports.
– Jock (athlete): A slang term used to refer to athletes, particularly those who excel in sports.
– Athlete of the Year: An award given to the top-performing athlete in a specific period or competition.
– Women’s sports: Sports activities and competitions specifically for women.
– Olympic Games athletes are also known as Olympians: Participants in the Olympic Games, the world’s largest sporting event. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athlete
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An athlete (also sportsman or sportswoman) is a person who competes in one or more sports involving physical strength, speed, power, or endurance.
Athletes may be professionals or amateurs. Most professional athletes have particularly well-developed physiques obtained by extensive physical training and strict exercise accompanied by a strict dietary regimen.
