🏅 Sport & Leisure · IELTS Vocabulary by Topic · 20 words

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athlete /ˈæθliːt/ n	a person who competes in sports, especially running and jumping events Professional athletes have to follow strict training and diet plans.
spectator /spekˈteɪtə(r)/ n	a person who watches an event, especially a sports match More than eighty thousand spectators attended the final at the national stadium.
tournament /ˈtʊənəmənt/ n	a competition with a series of games between many players or teams The country hopes the tournament will boost tourism and local businesses.
stamina /ˈstæmɪnə/ n	the physical or mental strength to keep doing something for a long time Long-distance running requires a great deal of stamina and determination.
competitive /kəmˈpetətɪv/ adj	involving competition, or wanting very much to win Some parents worry that competitive sports put too much pressure on children.
sportsmanship /ˈspɔːtsmənʃɪp/ n	fair and polite behaviour when playing sport, especially when losing Team sports teach young people the value of sportsmanship and respect.
amateur /ˈæmətə(r)/ adj	doing an activity for pleasure rather than as a paid job He played amateur football for years before signing a professional contract.
doping /ˈdəʊpɪŋ/ n	the illegal use of drugs to improve performance in sport Doping scandals have seriously damaged the reputation of professional cycling.
sponsorship /ˈspɒnsəʃɪp/ n	financial support given to a team, player or event, often for advertising Many clubs depend on sponsorship deals with large companies to survive.
recreation /ˌrekriˈeɪʃn/ n	activities people do for enjoyment when they are not working Every neighbourhood should have green spaces for recreation and exercise.
leisure /ˈleʒə(r)/ n	time when you are free from work and can do what you enjoy People today have more leisure time than previous generations did.
endurance /ɪnˈdjʊərəns/ n	the ability to continue doing something difficult or painful for a long time Marathon running is a test of both physical and mental endurance.
fitness /ˈfɪtnəs/ n	the state of being physically healthy and strong Regular exercise improves physical fitness and reduces stress.
extreme sports /ɪkˌstriːm ˈspɔːts/ n	sports that are dangerous and exciting, such as skydiving Young people are increasingly attracted to extreme sports such as bungee jumping.
pastime /ˈpɑːstaɪm/ n	something you do regularly for pleasure in your free time Fishing is a popular pastime among older men in my hometown.
referee /ˌrefəˈriː/ n	an official who makes sure players follow the rules during a game Video technology now helps the referee make more accurate decisions.
championship /ˈtʃæmpiənʃɪp/ n	a competition to find the best player or team in a sport The team has won the national championship three years in a row.
team spirit /ˌtiːm ˈspɪrɪt/ n	the feeling of loyalty and willingness to work together in a group Playing team sports helps children develop team spirit and cooperation.
underdog /ˈʌndədɒɡ/ n	a person or team that is expected to lose a competition Fans love to support the underdog when it plays against famous clubs.
rivalry /ˈraɪvlri/ n	a continuing competition between two people or teams The rivalry between the two clubs dates back more than a century.