athletics vs athletic

athletics is a noun but athletic is not a noun.

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

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

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