ath·lete 
(ăthlēt′)
(ăthlēt′)n.
1. One who participates in physical exercise or sports, especially in competitive events.
2. One possessing the requisite strength, agility, and endurance for success in sports: a natural athlete.
[Middle English, from Latin āthlēta, from Greek āthlētēs, contestant, from āthlein, to contend, possibly from āthlos, contest.]