what makes somone an athlete?

Question

is there a set thing that makes somone an athlete? im going to be doing 2 half marathons and then 1 full marathon. does that make me an athlete. maybe a stupid question but we are sittin here discussin it and no one is really sure so we need your help. some say it does..where as somone else said that would just make me a runner.. not an athlete

so please help.. what do u think

Answer 1

Do you train hard? Are you well conditioned and have a desire to do well? Anyone who works hard, puts in their time, is competing at a high level to win is an athelete! I cant run a marathon but give me a puck and stick and I am a pretty good hockey player. I consider myself an athelete yet there is no way I could compete with you in a marathon. So YES you are clearly an athelete! Good luck, I hope you do well and more important enjoy it!

Answer 2

I think it's up to you whether you're an athlete or not. On the other hand - a professional athlete for instance, would be defined by one that supports themselves by their winnings. A collegiate athlete would play on a college team. But an athlete without any specific qualifier - I'm not sure of an exact definition.