αθλητές comes from athlon, meaning "prize". Also in the olden days, wealth was a great incentive.
Clues to the Greek Alphabet
5. At the Olympics, victors received only the olive wreath. But afterwards, their cities greeted them with oil, food, coats or even a woman. Winners of the sprint could win 100 δραχμές. What are δραχμές?
Go to our quick and easy course Talk Greek to get a clue.
