noun phrase · formal
elite athletes
/ɪˈliːt ˈæθliːts/i·LEET ATH·letes
sportspeople who compete at the highest level, often professionally or internationally
Examples
“Elite athletes often train full-time and have specialised coaching.”
“The country supports elite athletes with funding and medical care.”
“Transitioning from amateur to elite athletes requires major lifestyle changes.”
Band 8 sentence
“Policy-makers must balance investment in elite athletes with measures that broaden access to sport for the general population.”
Collocations
- support elite athletes
- protect elite athletes' welfare
Word family
Common mistakes
elite sport→elite athletes
the elites→elite athletes
Say it for a higher band
5top athletes→6top-level athletes→7+elite athletes
Synonyms
top-level athletes
Easily confused
elite clubs
“Elite clubs attract elite athletes from around the world.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Sport & Exercise
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