Phrasal Verbs in Sports and the Olympics

Phrasal verbs are a common feature of sports commentary and discussions. Here are some examples related to sports and the Olympics:

General Sports Phrasal Verbs

• Warm up: To prepare for physical activity with light exercise.

• Example: The athletes were warming up before the race.
  

• Cool down: To gradually reduce physical activity after exercise.

• Example: She cooled down by walking slowly after the marathon.
  

• Carry on: To continue doing something.

• Example: Despite the injury, she carried on with the competition.
  

• Pick up: To improve in skill or performance.

• Example: The team has really picked up their game lately.
  

• Give up: To stop trying to do something.

• Example: He gave up swimming after the injury.
  

• Work out: To exercise.

• Example: She works out at the gym every morning.
  

Olympics-Specific Phrasal Verbs

• Go for gold: To try to win a gold medal.

• Example: The gymnast was going for gold in the all-around competition.
  

• Come up short: To fail to achieve a goal.

• Example: The favorite came up short in the final race.
  

• Pull off: To succeed in doing something difficult.

• Example: The underdog pulled off a major upset in the tennis match.
  

• Break down: To fail physically or mentally.

• Example: The swimmer broke down after not qualifying for the finals.
  

• Step up: To improve performance or take on more responsibility.

• Example: The team captain stepped up and led the team to victory.

Additional Phrasal Verbs:

• Cheer on: To encourage someone by shouting or clapping.

• Face off: To compete against someone.

• Hold on: To maintain a position or lead.

• Knock out: To defeat an opponent decisively.

• Set a record: To achieve a new best performance.

Would you like to practice using these phrasal verbs in sentences? Or perhaps you'd like to learn more phrasal verbs related to a specific sport? Let me know!

Loren Assunção