Athlete

Athlete, originally, one trained to take part in the great contests established in ancient Greece and Rome. The principal event in these contests was the pentathlon, which consisted of running, leaping, boxing, wrestling, and throwing the discus. A victory in these games was considered a splendid honour, and pensions, statues, and extraordinary privileges were sometimes given as rewards of success. At the present time athletic sports do not hold such an important place in public esteem as in the days of Greece or Rome. There is still, however, a considerable interest manifested in the various branches of athletics, and information will be found under such headings as Cricket, Football, Jumping, Rowing, Swimming, etc.