atletismo
athletics
Origin: From Greek athlētēs ('competitor, athlete') via atleta.
Also means
track and field
Usage Note
Atletismo is a mass noun (used without an article to refer to the sport in general: practica atletismo). In Spanish-speaking countries it covers the full range of track-and-field events, as in English 'athletics' (the British usage), not just running. The practitioner is atleta (common gender: el atleta, la atleta). Do not confuse atletismo with atleticismo — the latter is rare and refers to athleticism as a quality.
Examples
"Consiguió la medalla de oro en atletismo en los Juegos."
Natural Translation
She won the gold medal in athletics at the Games.

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