athletics vs recreation

athletics and recreation both are nouns.

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

As nouns, recreation is a hypernym of athletics; that is, recreation is a word with a broader meaning than athletics:

Other hypernyms of athletics include diversion.

athletics (noun)	recreation (noun)
an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition	an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
participation in sports events as an extracurricular activity	activity that refreshes and recreates; activity that renews your health and spirits by enjoyment and relaxation
a contest between athletes