People's Athlete

People's Athlete (Korean: 인민체육인) is a North Korean honorary title awarded to sportspeople. It was created in 1966. It is usually reserved to those who have won in the Olympic Games or have won a world championship, as it is the most prestigious award for North Korean sportspeople.

The title is closely connected with the North Korea national football team. The title was instituted after their achievements in the 1966 FIFA World Cup. Victories in the FIFA World Cups are rewarded with the title, as well as the right to live in the capital Pyongyang, including to one's family members. Because of this and since the women's football team has done better recently, the more experienced coaches prefer to work with them rather than with the men's football team.

Another similar award is the Merited Athlete.