A person who actively participates in physical sports, especially with great skill; a sportsperson.
An exceptionally physically fit person.
A participant in a group of sporting activities which includes track and field, road running, cross country running and racewalking.
She's the first athlete in her sport to obtain a corporate sponsor.
A participant in a contest; specifically, a person who plays a game, as on a TV game show.
One who brings a legal challenge.