What is an athlete?
In British English, an athlete is someone who takes part in athletics - competitive track and field events, such as running, hurdling and discus throwing. Anyone who competes in other sports is referred to as a sportsman or sportswoman.
But in US English, the word 'athlete' is used to describe anyone who takes part in sports.
World's best marathon runner
The marathon is a long-distance event where competitors have to run 26 miles, 385 yards, or 42.2 kilometres.
The race is named in honour of a Greek legend. In 490BC, a messenger ran from the town of Marathon to Athens to convey the news that the Greeks had won a battle against the Persians.
Some marathons are held on roads, others across fields and some even on mountain trails. Because marathons vary so much, there is a lot of debate over who is the best marathon runner.
