The collective noun for athletes is a “team.” This term is commonly used to refer to a group of athletes who come together to compete in various sports.
The concept of a team is essential in many sports, where multiple athletes collaborate to achieve a common goal, such as winning a game or event. The notion of teamwork underscores the importance of cooperation and strategy among athletes, highlighting how individual talents can be harnessed for the success of the group.
In other contexts, you might also come across terms like “squad” or “club” when referring to a group of athletes, especially in specific sports like soccer or track and field. However, “team” remains the most widely recognized collective noun in the realm of athletics.