The word athlete comes from the Greek athletes and in turn from the term aethos, which means effort. Considering its etymological origin, an athlete is the one who competes with effort for a prize. Regardless of its etymology, an athlete is one who practices some discipline of the sport of athletics.
In recent years, the word athlete has incorporated new meanings, such as runner or popular runner, two terms that are valid in colloquial language but clearly imprecise.
In Ancient Greece
Like many other activities, athletics arose in ancient times in Greek civilization. The athlete was the participant in sports competitions that were held periodically: the Olympic Games, the Pythian Games or the Isthmian Games, among other competitions.
The main requirement to be recognized as an athlete was to be a Greek citizen with full rights and to pass some tests imposed by the judges of the organization. Likewise, the athlete had to prove a sufficient period of training and, finally, take an oath before the statue of Zeus before the competition.
The Greek athlete performed short and long distance races, discus and javelin throwing and a jump similar to that of current longitude, but also competed in wrestling, boxing and horse chariot racing. In the case of Olympic champions, they were awarded a laurel wreath and, most importantly, they were considered national heroes.
In our days: An athlete, professional or amateur, is normally dedicated to a form of athletics within the group of running, jumping or throwing
The place where the competitions are held can vary, as some are held outdoors on a 4oo meter track, others indoors on a smaller track and cross is the only test that takes place in an open space other than the one. conventional track (for this reason in American English athletics is known as track and field, that is, track and field).
The professional athlete receives remuneration for his activity and normally dedicates himself to training exclusively to face the different competitions, while the amateur athlete exercises and competes purely as a hobby and without receiving any money in return.
Cheating in athletics
In the ancient games of Greece there were already cases of cheats and when this happened the athletes were punished with a severe fine and with the money collected a statue was erected at the base of which the name of the offending athlete was inscribed. Cheating at the time was generally based on the bribery of other competitors and had no relation to the physical conditions of the athletes.
Currently the main trap that adulterates the competition is doping, the use of prohibited substances that enhances the vitality and performance of the athlete. If an athlete is doped, he introduces a variable that deteriorates his essence, as he becomes someone who competes with effort (and cheating) to get a prize.
Photos: Fotolia - Konstantin Yuganov / GraphicsRF
