Top 9+ Heaviest NBA Players: Then & Now


Top 9+ Heaviest NBA Players: Then & Now

The person with the best physique mass competing professionally within the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation represents a singular bodily outlier. This distinction displays not solely uncooked dimension but additionally the physiological calls for and variations required to carry out at an elite degree inside a sport characterised by pace, agility, and endurance, regardless of possessing important mass.

Understanding the participant with probably the most substantial weight presents insights into the range of physique sorts that may obtain success in skilled basketball. Traditionally, giant gamers have performed pivotal roles, demonstrating the worth of energy and dimension in rebounding, put up play, and defensive presence. Their presence considerably influences crew technique and opponent matchups, highlighting the continuing debate in regards to the optimum bodily attributes for dominance within the league.

The following sections will delve into particular athletes who’ve held this notable distinction, the challenges they face, and the evolving views on physique composition and efficiency throughout the trendy NBA.

1. Dimension

The defining attribute of the person acknowledged because the “heaviest participant in nba” is, basically, dimension. Physique mass serves as the first metric for this designation. A big bodily stature supplies inherent benefits in particular basketball domains, notably in establishing a bodily presence inside the important thing, securing rebounds, and executing put up strikes. Dimension, on this context, straight influences the participant’s capability to occupy house and exert pressure, impacting each offensive and defensive methods. Historic examples, resembling Shaquille O’Neal, reveal the effectiveness of using substantial dimension to overpower opponents and management the sport.

Nevertheless, dimension, whereas advantageous, presents challenges. Elevated physique mass correlates with diminished mobility and doubtlessly elevated susceptibility to accidents. Gamers of serious dimension should dedicate targeted effort to sustaining sufficient conditioning and suppleness to navigate the demanding schedule and high-impact nature {of professional} basketball. Yao Ming, regardless of his appreciable success, confronted profession limitations attributable to accidents linked, partially, to his excessive peak and weight. This underscores the intricate stability between dimension and bodily resilience.

In conclusion, dimension is intrinsically linked to the classification of the “heaviest participant in nba,” conferring each benefits and drawbacks. Whereas important physique mass can facilitate dominance in particular areas of the sport, optimized conditioning, damage prevention methods, and an understanding of the bodily limitations related to elevated dimension are essential for sustaining a profitable and prolonged profession. The sensible significance lies in appreciating the multifaceted nature of bodily attributes in skilled basketball and the necessity for customized coaching regimens that cater to particular person physique sorts.

2. Energy

Energy, within the context of the athlete recognized because the heaviest participant within the NBA, extends past mere bodily dimension. It encompasses the capability to exert pressure successfully, stand up to bodily contact, and keep stability towards opposing forces, all essential for on-court efficiency and sturdiness.

  • Put up Play Dominance

    Energy straight correlates with the flexibility to determine place and keep management within the put up. A heavier and stronger participant can successfully field out opponents, create house for scoring alternatives, and take in contact whereas trying photographs. Shaquille O’Neal, for instance, persistently leveraged his energy to overpower smaller defenders and dominate the paint all through his profession.

  • Rebounding Effectivity

    Securing rebounds requires not solely positioning but additionally the energy to bodily outmaneuver opponents and safe the ball. A stronger participant can extra successfully dislodge opponents, keep grip, and management the rebound in contested conditions. This benefit is especially pronounced in offensive rebounding, the place energy permits the participant to create second-chance scoring alternatives.

  • Defensive Presence

    On the defensive finish, energy interprets to an enhanced capacity to contest photographs, deny entry passes, and defend the rim. A stronger participant can disrupt offensive move, deter opponents from driving to the basket, and supply a formidable bodily barrier. The sheer presence of a powerful, heavy participant can considerably alter the offensive methods of opposing groups.

  • Damage Resistance

    Whereas counterintuitive, a level of muscular energy can contribute to damage resistance. Stronger muscle mass surrounding joints present higher stability and assist, lowering the chance of sprains and different accidents ensuing from collisions and sudden actions. Nevertheless, extreme weight with out proportional energy can exacerbate joint stress, highlighting the significance of a balanced strength-to-mass ratio.

In abstract, energy is a essential element of the heaviest participant’s effectiveness within the NBA. It facilitates dominance in key areas resembling put up play, rebounding, and protection, whereas additionally taking part in a task in damage prevention. The important thing lies in cultivating useful energy that enhances the participant’s dimension, optimizing on-court efficiency and increasing profession longevity.

3. Put up play

Put up play, within the context {of professional} basketball and notably in regards to the heaviest participant within the NBA, signifies offensive and defensive actions occurring in shut proximity to the basket. The numerous mass of such a participant profoundly influences each the effectiveness and strategic deployment of post-centric gameplay.

  • Establishing Place

    The heaviest participant usually possesses an inherent benefit in establishing place throughout the put up. Their substantial dimension and energy enable for efficient boxing out, stopping opposing gamers from gaining favorable rebounding angles, and securing optimum places for receiving passes. The flexibility to demand the ball in advantageous positions straight impacts scoring alternatives.

  • Scoring Effectivity

    Proximity to the basket mixed with appreciable energy and dimension usually interprets to excessive scoring effectivity within the put up. The bodily benefit permits for a higher probability of finishing photographs, even towards a number of defenders. Energy strikes, resembling drop steps and hook photographs, develop into considerably harder to defend when executed by a participant of such bodily stature.

  • Drawing Fouls

    The bodily nature of put up play, when executed by a participant with important mass, ceaselessly ends in defensive fouls. Opponents trying to comprise a heavier participant within the put up are extra susceptible to committing fouls, both attributable to incidental contact or in a deliberate try to forestall a high-percentage scoring alternative. This capacity to attract fouls can present a crew with useful free throw alternatives and place opposing gamers in foul bother.

  • Defensive Concerns

    The presence of a heavier participant partaking in put up play necessitates particular defensive methods. Opposing groups usually make use of double-teaming techniques or devoted put up defenders to restrict scoring alternatives and disrupt passing lanes. This give attention to containing the put up participant can create alternatives for different offensive gamers on the perimeter, thereby influencing the general offensive dynamics of the sport.

The affiliation between a heavyweight participant and put up play is deeply intertwined. Their dimension and energy develop into pivotal components in each offensive and defensive methods surrounding the basket. The utilization of a bigger participant within the put up necessitates strategic changes from each their crew and the opposition, finally impacting the move and end result of the sport.

4. Rebounding

Rebounding is a basic element of basketball, and the heaviest participant within the NBA usually possesses a definite benefit on this space. The correlation stems from the participant’s elevated physique mass, which supplies a extra substantial base for establishing place and exerting pressure. This bodily superiority can result in the next rebounding price, because the participant is healthier geared up to field out opponents and safe the ball. Actual-life examples, resembling Shaquille O’Neal and Zach Randolph, illustrate how important dimension and energy translate to rebounding prowess, impacting crew possession and second-chance scoring alternatives. The sensible significance lies in understanding how a heavier participant’s rebounding capacity can considerably contribute to a crew’s general success.

Additional evaluation reveals that whereas dimension is an important issue, approach and positioning are additionally important for efficient rebounding. A heavier participant might possess the bodily attributes, however with out correct boxing-out abilities and an understanding of rebounding angles, their benefit could be diminished. Gamers like Dikembe Mutombo, although not the heaviest, maximized their rebounding effectiveness by means of distinctive timing and positioning. This implies that whereas dimension supplies a basis, talent growth is paramount for translating bodily attributes into tangible rebounding success. The understanding and training of those abilities are important for maximizing the influence of any participant, notably these with important mass.

In conclusion, the connection between rebounding and the heaviest participant within the NBA is multifaceted. Whereas elevated physique mass presents a definite benefit in establishing place and securing rebounds, approach and positioning are equally essential. The problem lies in optimizing each bodily attributes and talent growth to maximise rebounding effectiveness. Understanding this connection is important for coaches and gamers in search of to leverage the distinctive talents of bigger gamers and improve their crew’s general rebounding efficiency.

5. Endurance

Endurance, or the capability to maintain bodily exertion over extended intervals, presents a essential consideration for athletes, notably the heaviest participant within the NBA. The calls for {of professional} basketball necessitate a excessive diploma of cardiovascular health and muscular stamina, qualities that may be considerably challenged by substantial physique mass.

  • Cardiovascular Pressure

    Elevated physique mass locations a higher burden on the cardiovascular system. The center should work tougher to flow into blood, delivering oxygen and vitamins to the physique’s tissues. This heightened demand can result in fatigue and diminished efficiency, particularly throughout prolonged intervals of high-intensity exercise. Gamers with important mass require specialised coaching regimens to mitigate cardiovascular pressure and keep sufficient endurance ranges.

  • Joint Stress and Mobility

    Extra weight can exacerbate stress on joints, notably the knees and ankles, doubtlessly resulting in decreased mobility and an elevated danger of damage. Decreased mobility, in flip, impacts the participant’s capacity to maneuver effectively on the court docket, impacting each offensive and defensive capabilities. Sustaining adequate endurance requires a give attention to low-impact conditioning workouts and energy coaching to assist joint stability.

  • Metabolic Effectivity

    A heavier participant should expend extra power to carry out the identical bodily duties in comparison with a lighter participant. This distinction in metabolic effectivity can lead to faster depletion of power reserves and diminished stamina all through the sport. Optimizing dietary methods and implementing interval coaching protocols are essential for enhancing metabolic effectivity and preserving endurance.

  • Restoration Price

    The restoration price, or the time required for the physique to return to a resting state after exertion, is a key indicator of endurance. A heavier participant might expertise a slower restoration price because of the elevated metabolic calls for and potential for muscle fatigue. Prioritizing relaxation, implementing energetic restoration strategies, and optimizing hydration are important for facilitating restoration and sustaining constant efficiency ranges.

The interaction between endurance and substantial physique mass is a posh and infrequently difficult side of the sport. Whereas dimension can provide benefits in sure areas, resembling put up play and rebounding, the physiological calls for positioned on the heaviest participant necessitate a rigorous dedication to specialised coaching and dietary methods aimed toward maximizing endurance and mitigating the potential drawbacks of elevated weight. Sustaining a stability between dimension, energy, and endurance is paramount for sustained success within the NBA.

6. Mobility

Mobility, outlined as the flexibility to maneuver fluidly and effectively, represents a big consideration when assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of the heaviest participant within the NBA. The inherent problem lies within the inverse relationship between physique mass and agility. Elevated weight naturally imposes limitations on pace, acceleration, and the flexibility to rapidly change path. This impacts the participant’s capability to successfully defend smaller, faster opponents, rotate defensively, and exploit offensive alternatives requiring fast motion. Historic examples, resembling contrasting Shaquille O’Neal’s dominance in a slower-paced period with the calls for of the fashionable, fast-break fashion, illustrate this problem. The sensible significance resides in understanding how restricted mobility can have an effect on a heavy participant’s general influence on the sport and the strategic changes required to compensate for these limitations.

Nevertheless, diminished mobility doesn’t essentially equate to ineffectiveness. Strategic deployment and specialised coaching can mitigate the damaging results. As an illustration, specializing in positional protection, using distinctive court docket consciousness, and honing passing abilities can enable a heavier participant to contribute meaningfully with out requiring in depth operating. Moreover, focused energy and conditioning applications can enhance relative energy and agility, maximizing the participant’s mobility throughout the constraints of their bodily construct. Gamers resembling Nikola Jokic have demonstrated how superior passing imaginative and prescient and court docket consciousness can offset perceived mobility deficiencies. This highlights the potential to optimize a heavy participant’s contribution by means of strategic growth and adaptation.

In conclusion, mobility presents a persistent problem for the heaviest participant within the NBA. Whereas dimension and energy provide distinct benefits, the restrictions imposed on agility and pace necessitate strategic compensation and specialised coaching. Understanding the trade-offs between mobility and different bodily attributes is essential for maximizing a heavy participant’s effectiveness and contributing to crew success. The last word goal lies in optimizing the participant’s talent set and tactical deployment to leverage their strengths whereas minimizing the influence of mobility limitations, guaranteeing a useful contribution throughout the crew’s general technique.

7. Damage danger

The correlation between elevated physique mass and susceptibility to accidents in athletes is a well-documented phenomenon. Inside the context of the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation, the person designated because the “heaviest participant in nba” faces a disproportionately elevated danger of sure accidents because of the inherent stresses positioned upon their musculoskeletal system.

  • Joint Stress and Degradation

    Substantial physique mass inherently will increase the load borne by weight-bearing joints, notably the knees, ankles, and hips. This elevated stress accelerates the degradation of cartilage and will increase the probability of osteoarthritis, stress fractures, and ligamentous accidents resembling meniscus tears and ankle sprains. The cumulative impact of years of competitors additional exacerbates these dangers. For instance, Yao Ming’s profession was considerably shortened by persistent foot and ankle accidents attributed, partially, to his distinctive dimension and weight.

  • Cardiovascular Pressure and Associated Problems

    The cardiovascular system of a heavier participant should work tougher to flow into blood all through a bigger physique mass. This elevated workload elevates the chance of hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and different cardiovascular issues. Moreover, circumstances resembling sleep apnea, usually related to elevated weight, can negatively influence restoration and general well being, not directly growing the chance of accidents attributable to fatigue and impaired cognitive perform.

  • Tender Tissue Accidents

    Elevated physique mass can even contribute to the next incidence of soppy tissue accidents, together with muscle strains, tendonitis, and bursitis. The extra weight locations higher pressure on muscle mass and tendons, making them extra vulnerable to tears and irritation. Situations resembling plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis are generally noticed in heavier athletes because of the elevated stress on the decrease extremities.

  • Restoration and Fatigue-Associated Accidents

    Heavier gamers usually expertise a slower restoration price following intense bodily exercise. This prolonged restoration interval can result in persistent fatigue and an elevated vulnerability to accidents. Inadequate relaxation and restoration cycles can impair muscle perform, cut back response time, and compromise biomechanical effectivity, making the participant extra vulnerable to acute accidents throughout gameplay. The diminished mobility related to substantial weight can even contribute to compensatory motion patterns that additional enhance damage danger.

In conclusion, the person acknowledged because the “heaviest participant in nba” encounters a heightened danger of a spectrum of accidents, starting from joint degradation to cardiovascular issues and comfortable tissue harm. The cumulative influence of those components necessitates specialised coaching regimens, diligent damage prevention methods, and meticulous monitoring of cardiovascular well being to mitigate these dangers and extend the athlete’s profession. A proactive and complete strategy to well being administration is essential for sustaining efficiency and minimizing the potential for career-altering accidents on this distinctive inhabitants of athletes.

8. Weight loss plan

Weight loss plan performs a essential, albeit advanced, position within the context of the heaviest participant within the NBA. The caloric consumption required to take care of substantial physique mass is important, necessitating a fastidiously constructed dietary plan. This plan should not solely present adequate power to gas the athlete’s bodily exercise but additionally prioritize nutrient density to assist general well being and optimize efficiency. The kinds of macronutrients consumed (proteins, carbohydrates, and fat) and their ratios are essential concerns, influencing muscle mass, power ranges, and restoration processes. An inadequately designed weight-reduction plan can result in deficiencies, elevated danger of damage, and impaired efficiency, no matter dimension and energy. For instance, neglecting micronutrient consumption can compromise bone well being and immune perform, growing susceptibility to emphasize fractures and sicknesses. The significance of a correctly balanced weight-reduction plan is subsequently paramount for any athlete however notably amplified for people with excessive physique mass. It’s because elevated mass magnifies each optimistic and damaging results of the dietary selections.

Additional complicating the dietary wants is the need to handle physique composition successfully. Whereas sustaining important mass is commonly a attribute of those gamers, extreme physique fats can negatively influence agility, endurance, and joint well being. A well-structured weight-reduction plan goals to optimize muscle mass whereas minimizing the buildup of adipose tissue. This usually entails cautious caloric management, exact timing of nutrient consumption round coaching classes, and strategic use of dietary supplements to assist muscle restoration and improve efficiency. The particular dietary necessities range relying on the person participant, their place, coaching routine, and metabolic traits. Dietary methods that work for one athlete won’t be optimum for one more, highlighting the necessity for individualized vitamin plans developed in session with registered dietitians and sports activities vitamin consultants. The monitoring of physique composition metrics, resembling physique fats share and lean muscle mass, is essential for fine-tuning dietary interventions and guaranteeing optimum outcomes. Gamers like Shaquille O’Neal, regardless of their imposing dimension, have demonstrated the significance of dietary changes all through their careers to take care of peak bodily situation.

In conclusion, the weight-reduction plan of the heaviest participant within the NBA extends past easy caloric consumption. It constitutes a meticulously deliberate and constantly adjusted technique designed to gas efficiency, optimize physique composition, and mitigate well being dangers related to substantial physique mass. The sensible significance lies within the recognition {that a} correctly structured weight-reduction plan is just not merely a complement to athletic coaching however an integral element of it, considerably influencing the athlete’s general effectiveness and profession longevity. Balancing the calls for of sustaining important mass with the necessity for optimum well being and efficiency requires a complete and individualized dietary strategy.

9. Coaching

The coaching routine carried out for the heaviest participant within the NBA is basically distinct from that of their counterparts, necessitating specialised programming tailor-made to mitigate the inherent challenges related to substantial physique mass. This specialised strategy addresses the distinctive biomechanical stresses and physiological calls for positioned upon the athlete.

  • Energy and Energy Growth

    Energy coaching protocols are designed to boost useful energy with out exacerbating joint stress. Workout routines prioritize compound actions with managed tempos and give attention to core stabilization to assist spinal integrity. For instance, performing squats and deadlifts with emphasis on correct type and progressive overload helps develop energy whereas minimizing the chance of damage. Energy growth focuses on workouts that improve explosiveness whereas contemplating joint limitations, resembling modified plyometrics and medication ball throws.

  • Mobility and Flexibility Enhancement

    Sustaining sufficient mobility and suppleness is paramount to counteract the restrictive results of elevated mass. Coaching consists of focused stretching and myofascial launch strategies to enhance vary of movement and cut back muscle imbalances. Examples embrace dynamic stretching routines pre-workout and static stretching post-workout, together with common foam rolling to handle muscle tightness and enhance tissue high quality. Yoga and Pilates will also be included to enhance core stability and improve physique consciousness.

  • Cardiovascular Conditioning

    Cardiovascular coaching is customized to attenuate joint influence whereas maximizing cardio capability. Excessive-intensity interval coaching (HIIT) on low-impact modalities, resembling stationary bikes or elliptical trainers, permits for environment friendly cardiovascular growth with out extreme joint stress. Swimming and water aerobics provide buoyancy assist, lowering the load on joints throughout cardio train. Monitoring coronary heart price and perceived exertion is essential to make sure efficient conditioning with out overtraining.

  • Damage Prevention and Rehabilitation

    Damage prevention is a central element of the coaching program, incorporating prehab workouts to strengthen weak joints and tackle muscle imbalances. Proprioceptive coaching enhances stability and coordination to scale back the chance of ankle sprains and different decrease extremity accidents. Common screening for motion dysfunctions and biomechanical inefficiencies permits for early intervention and correction. Within the occasion of damage, rehabilitation protocols are fastidiously designed to advertise tissue therapeutic, restore perform, and forestall re-injury, usually involving modified workouts and progressive loading methods.

The specialised coaching protocols employed for the heaviest participant within the NBA emphasize a holistic strategy that balances energy and energy growth with mobility, flexibility, and cardiovascular conditioning, all whereas prioritizing damage prevention. The variations are essential for maximizing athletic efficiency whereas mitigating the dangers related to substantial physique mass, contributing to profession longevity and sustained effectiveness on the court docket.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning the athlete with the best physique mass competing within the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation. The data offered goals to make clear the challenges, benefits, and associated concerns surrounding this distinctive bodily attribute.

Query 1: What benefits does possessing the best mass confer in skilled basketball?

Elevated mass supplies a definite benefit in establishing place throughout the put up, securing rebounds, and exerting bodily pressure throughout gameplay. This physicality can lead to increased scoring effectivity close to the basket and an enhanced defensive presence.

Query 2: What are the first challenges related to competing at such a excessive weight?

The athlete faces challenges in sustaining sufficient endurance, mobility, and joint well being. Elevated physique mass locations higher stress on the cardiovascular system and musculoskeletal system, elevating the chance of damage and doubtlessly shortening profession longevity.

Query 3: How does coaching differ for the heaviest participant in comparison with lighter gamers?

Coaching regimens emphasize low-impact cardiovascular conditioning, focused energy coaching targeted on core stability, and in depth mobility and suppleness workouts. The objective is to maximise useful energy and reduce joint stress.

Query 4: What dietary concerns are paramount for this particular person?

The weight-reduction plan requires cautious calibration to offer adequate power for efficiency whereas optimizing physique composition and mitigating well being dangers. Nutrient density, strategic macronutrient ratios, and individualized supplementation plans are important parts.

Query 5: Does important mass robotically assure success within the NBA?

Whereas mass supplies inherent benefits, it doesn’t assure success. Talent growth, strategic deployment, basketball IQ, and a dedication to conditioning and damage prevention are equally essential components.

Query 6: Are there any notable historic examples of gamers who’ve held this distinction?

Traditionally, athletes resembling Shaquille O’Neal and Yao Ming signify outstanding examples of gamers who mixed important mass with distinctive basketball abilities. Their careers spotlight each the advantages and challenges related to competing at a excessive weight.

In abstract, the athlete recognized because the heaviest participant within the NBA embodies a singular confluence of bodily attributes and strategic concerns. Understanding the interaction between dimension, talent, and well being is essential for appreciating their contribution to the game.

The next sections will additional discover the precise methods employed to handle the distinctive challenges confronted by these athletes and maximize their on-court effectiveness.

Strategic Pointers for Athletes of Important Mass

The next pointers provide strategic recommendation tailor-made to athletes possessing substantial physique mass, particularly inside a aggressive sports activities setting such because the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation.

Tip 1: Prioritize Joint Well being by means of Focused Workout routines: Attributable to elevated joint stress, implement workouts that particularly strengthen the muscle mass surrounding the knees, ankles, and hips. Examples embrace hamstring curls, calf raises, and hip abductions with resistance bands.

Tip 2: Emphasize Low-Impression Cardiovascular Conditioning: Exchange high-impact operating with actions resembling swimming, biking, or elliptical coaching to attenuate joint stress whereas sustaining cardiovascular health.

Tip 3: Optimize Dietary Macronutrient Ratios: Seek the advice of with a registered dietitian to determine a dietary plan that helps muscle mass and power wants whereas stopping extreme fats accumulation. Rigorously contemplate the proportion of protein, carbohydrates, and fat.

Tip 4: Grasp Positional Play and Courtroom Consciousness: Compensate for potential mobility limitations by creating distinctive court docket consciousness and positional play. Deal with anticipating opponent actions and maximizing effectivity of motion.

Tip 5: Implement Energetic Restoration Strategies: Prioritize energetic restoration methods resembling mild stretching, foam rolling, and therapeutic massage to facilitate muscle restoration and cut back soreness following coaching and competitors.

Tip 6: Monitor Physique Composition Commonly: Monitor physique fats share and lean muscle mass to make sure that dietary and coaching interventions are successfully optimizing physique composition and supporting athletic efficiency. Think about strategies resembling bioelectrical impedance evaluation or skinfold measurements.

Tip 7: Incorporate Prehab Workout routines into Day by day Routine: Prehab workouts, designed to proactively forestall accidents, must be built-in into the day by day coaching routine. These might embrace rotator cuff workouts, core strengthening, and stability coaching.

These pointers spotlight the significance of a holistic strategy that addresses each the benefits and limitations related to possessing important mass in a aggressive sporting setting. By implementing these methods, athletes can maximize their efficiency whereas minimizing the chance of damage.

The following part will present concluding remarks summarizing the important thing insights mentioned all through this evaluation.

Conclusion

This exploration of the traits and concerns surrounding the heaviest participant in nba has revealed a posh interaction of benefits and challenges. Substantial physique mass confers advantages in areas resembling put up play and rebounding but additionally presents distinctive calls for on cardiovascular well being, joint integrity, and general mobility. Profitable navigation of those challenges requires specialised coaching, diligent dietary planning, and a strategic strategy to gameplay.

In the end, reaching sustained success because the heaviest participant in nba necessitates a dedication to holistic well being administration, clever coaching adaptation, and a deep understanding of the athlete’s personal bodily capabilities and limitations. The insights introduced function a useful useful resource for athletes, coaches, and medical professionals concerned in optimizing the efficiency and well-being of people with important physique mass competing on the highest ranges {of professional} basketball. Future analysis might give attention to refining coaching methodologies and dietary methods to additional improve the profession longevity and effectiveness of those distinctive athletes.