Definition of an Athlete

Obama's (*ahem* utterly rude and idiotic) comment about special olympics/bowling got me thinking, what defines an athlete?

Is an athlete the elderly lady who takes an hour walk everyday?

Or is it the mom that wakes up early every morning to get a run in?

Is it the person who participates in races (5k, tris, bike races, ect) and finishes last?

Or is it the person that stands on the podium every race?

Is it the person that participates in gym classes, but never competes?

Or is it the person that only signs up to race 5k's with no training?

Is it the overweight/obese person who exercises to lose some pounds?

Or is it the person who exercises just because it's fun?

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IMOHP, I think an athlete is anyone who trains and races/competes. Regardless of their size and placement, if they train and compete, I consider them an athlete. 

Not to say that those who just exercise aren't in shape- they can have the healthiest body and be fit- just not an athlete just because they don't compete/race.

I think a person can be an athlete AND fit, or just an athlete, or just fit. 

I like the thought of your definition but I don't know if it totally works. See if you're going to call someone an "athlete" then it must be apparent that said person expends significant effort at training/racing. I could call myself a musician because I sing in the shower but that doesn't make it true.

I do agree with you that one's ability in whatever athletic pursuit they choose is not necessarily the most important factor; however I would say that some sort of minimum commitment is necessary. Not a huge one because I believe everyone should have a enough time each day to pursue multiple goals not just athletic ones. I'd say something along the lines of at least half an hour a day, 5 days a week would suffice.

By the way, I agree the aforementioned comment from Obama was in poor taste. I volunteer at the S.O. and a lot of those kids are personal heroes of mine.

Eric

Right, but you're not a musician because you don't perform (or compete... I know there are some vocal competitions out there -besides American Idol-). The training also isn't there if you sing in the shower (unless, you're taking half hour showers and practicing vocal exercises) 

But an athlete would have some minimal training (train) and some way to execute and show what they've trained (their competition/race). The training would be the committment. 

Right, my whole point however is how ridiculous the concept of having each individual self-define "minimum training" is. It's that type of thought which would facilitate someone like me claiming to be a musician, chef, etc. because I have a passing fancy in one of those fields (and peeled an onion once).

This is by no means intended to be offensive, but I'm just not satisfied with a definition which allows someone to "train" 15 minutes a day 3 days a week for a 5k and then expect to be regarded as an athlete in spite of their 1 hour finish time.

Oh... okay, I get it- we're on the same page. :)

By training I DID mean something like a minimum of 30 minutes 5x a week. That shows dedication, but at the same time is something that doesn't take over someone's life.

I'm not offended- I agree that the whole 15 minutes of "training" 3x a week, and a 5k here and there doesn't qualify for the "athlete" definition...