player's career; career as an athlete
Refers to the span of an athlete's active competitive career, often used when discussing its end or continuation.
That injury ended his career as an athlete.
To prolong your athletic career, taking care of your body is essential.
Compound of 選手 (player, athlete) and 生命 (life). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word is conventionally understood as 'athletic career'.