fellow athlete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fellow athlete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who participates in the same sport or physical activity as the speaker or subject of the sentence. For example: "As a competitive runner, it was always motivating to train and compete alongside my fellow athletes." "In a show of sportsmanship, the winning swimmer congratulated his fellow athletes on their strong performances." "The team's captain urged his fellow athletes to push themselves even harder in the final quarter of the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

He dated a fellow athlete - who was not a football player - at Missouri.

Independent

Wozniacki and McIlroy have both endured tough seasons so far, but Wozniacki said that having support from a fellow athlete helps when times are tough.

The New York Times

A fellow athlete said Ngetich was caught in a dispute between ethnic groups Monday in Trans Mara, on the outskirts of Kenya's Masai Mara game reserve.

The New York Times - Sports

Great to see a fellow athlete receive a Rhodes scholarship, especially one who played at such a high level for Florida State's football team.

The New York Times - Sports

But they had never said anything, they explained, because they had not wanted to make such a grave accusation against a fellow athlete.

The New York Times - Sports

It is rare to find a fellow athlete anything less than delighted to share a Games with them, recognition of the peerless talent in those hallowed squeaky boots.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Even fellow athletes have been less than supportive.

Independent

Not all her fellow athletes warmed to her forthright manner.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's about gaining the respect of your fellow athletes".

The New York Times - Sports

Fellow athletes supported LaRoche's decision on Twitter.

The Guardian - Sport

At Peter's funeral, his fellow athletes filled several pews.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fellow athlete" to foster a sense of camaraderie and shared identity when referring to other sportspeople in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "fellow athlete" excessively in highly formal or academic papers; opt for more precise or professional terms like "athletic colleague" or "sporting peer" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fellow athlete" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. It is used to identify someone who shares the same passion or profession for sports.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fellow athlete" is a correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to someone who shares your passion for sports. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely applicable in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal conversations. While generally neutral in register, consider using more formal alternatives such as "athletic colleague" in academic or highly professional settings. Remember to employ "fellow athlete" to convey a sense of solidarity and shared experience within the sports community.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

co-athlete

A shorter, less common synonym.

teammate

Specifically refers to someone on the same team.

sporting peer

Highlights the professional aspect and level of skill.

athletic colleague

More formal and emphasizes the shared profession.

member of the athletic community

Broader term encompassing many people involved in sports.

sportsman companion

Highlights camaraderie in sports.

athletic contemporary

Emphasizes being in the same era of sports.

partner in sports

Highlights the collaborative aspect of sports, such as doubles tennis.

fitness peer

Focuses on fitness activities and exercises.

competitor

Highlights competitive nature of shared activity.

FAQs

How can I use "fellow athlete" in a sentence?

You can use "fellow athlete" to refer to someone who participates in the same sport as you or the subject of your conversation. For instance, "The runner showed great sportsmanship by helping a "fellow athlete" who had fallen".

What are some alternatives to "fellow athlete"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms such as "co-athlete", "teammate" (if they are on the same team), or "sporting peer".

Is it appropriate to use "fellow athlete" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in very formal or professional writing, you might consider alternatives like "athletic colleague" for added precision and formality.

What does "fellow athlete" imply about the relationship between the individuals?

It implies a shared participation in sports and can suggest a sense of community or mutual understanding, as they likely face similar challenges and experiences.