noun
A person who competes in sports, especially at a high level. Used in both professional and amateur contexts.
彼はオリンピックに出場するアスリートです。
He is an athlete who will compete in the Olympics.
アスリートは毎日厳しいトレーニングをしている。
Athletes undergo rigorous training every day.
選手 is a more general and common term for a player or competitor in sports, while アスリート emphasizes the athletic aspect and often implies a higher level of physical ability or professionalism.
Loanword from English 'athlete'.