Sportsperson facts for kids
A sportsperson is someone who is involved in sports. This person might be called a sportsman if they are a man, or a sportswoman if they are a woman. They are known for playing sports or helping to promote athletic activities.
A sportsperson is often trained to compete in a sport. These sports usually involve physical strength, speed, or endurance. The term also means someone who plays fairly and shows respect to their opponents.
Sometimes, a former competitor who still supports their sport is called a sportsman. For example, Tsunekazu Takeda competed in two Summer Olympic Games. Later, he became the President of the Japanese Olympic Committee.
Sportspeople can be professionals, meaning they get paid for their sport. Or they can be amateurs, meaning they play for fun and do not get paid. Many sportspeople train a lot and follow special diets to stay in great shape.
The word "athlete" is often used for sportspeople in general. However, it usually refers to people who compete in team sports or track and field events. For example, a fisherman might be called a sportsman, but not usually an athlete.
Famous Olympic Athletes
The title "World's Greatest Athlete" was first used for Jim Thorpe. This happened at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. Thorpe won the gold medal in the decathlon. When King Gustav V of Sweden gave him the award, he said, "You, sir, are the greatest athlete in the world."
Today, the title "World's Greatest Athlete" usually goes to the top competitor in the decathlon for males. For females, it goes to the top competitor in the heptathlon. These events are part of track and field. They need athletes to be good at many things. This includes speed, strength, coordination, jumping, and endurance.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Jim Thorpe at the 1912 Summer Olympics
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Athletes taking part in a race on a snowy park in the U.S.
See also
In Spanish: Atleta para niños
