ATHLETÆ, in antiquity, persons of strength and agility, disciplined to perform in the public games. The word is originally Greek, αθλητας: formed from αθλος, certamen, "combat;" whence also αθλος, the prize or reward adjudged the victor.—Under athletæ were comprehended wrestlers, boxers, runners, leapers, throwers throwers of the disk, and those practised in other exercises exhibited in the Olympic, Pythian, and other solemn sports: for the conquerors wherein there were established prizes.