athletic vs athletics

athletic is not a noun while athletics is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
athletic	No	Yes	No	No
athletics	Yes	No	No	No

athletic (noun)	athletics (noun)
	an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
	participation in sports events as an extracurricular activity
	a contest between athletes

athletic (adjective)	athletics (adjective)
relating to or befitting athletics or athletes
vigorously active
having a sturdy and well proportioned body