1 Corinthians 9:25 But every competitor in an athletic contest practices abstemiousness in all directions. They indeed do this for the sake of securing a perishable wreath, but we for the sake of securing one that will not perish. (See NAS NIV)
2 Timothy 2:5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn't crowned unless he has competed by the rules. (WEB NAS RSV NIV)