ath·let·ics
 /æθˈlɛtıks/  noun  
  1 [  plural  ] US : sports, games, and exercises that require strength and skill : athletic activities
  ◇ Athletics is plural in form but is used with both plural and singular verbs.
   College athletics attract students from a variety of backgrounds.
   The coach believes high school athletics is in need of reform.
  2 [  noncount  ] Brit : track and field