1: ἀγών
(Strong's #73 — Noun Masculine — agon — ag-one' )

from ago, "to lead," signifies (a) "a place of assembly," especially the place where the Greeks assembled for the Olympic and Pythian games; (b) "a contest of athletes," metaphorically, 1—Timothy 6:12; 2—Timothy 4:7 , "fight;" Hebrews 12:1 , "race;" hence, (c) "the inward conflict of the soul;" inward "conflict" is often the result, or the accompaniment, of outward "conflict," Phil. 1—Thessalonians 2;2 , implying a contest against spiritual foes, as well as human adversaries; so Colossians 2:1 , "conflict," AV; RV, "(how greatly) I strive," lit., "how great a conflict I have." See CONTENTION , FIGHT , RACE. Cp. agonizomai (Eng., "agonize"), 1—Corinthians 9:25 etc.

2: ἄθλησις
(Strong's #119 — Noun Feminine — athlesis — ath'-lay-sis )

denotes "a combat, contest of athletes;" hence, "a struggle, fight," Hebrews 10:32 , with reference to affliction. See FIGHT. Cp. athleo, "to strive," 2—Timothy 2:5 (twice).