Here's a breakdown of the word's origins:
* "Athlos" (Greek): This is the root word for "athlete" and refers to a contest or a prize in ancient Greek games.
* "Athletes" (Greek): This is the plural form of "athlos," meaning "contests" or "prizes."
* "Athlētēs" (Greek): This word, meaning "competitor" or "contestant," arose from "athlos" and evolved into the modern word "athlete."
So, the word "athlete" literally means "one who competes in a contest." This is a fitting description considering the dedication and skill required to excel in any sport.