The “most exhausting” sport is subjective and can be different based on things like physical demands, duration, skill level, and individual athlete’s conditioning.

Some sports are commonly recognized for their high levels of physical and mental exhaustion…

1. Triathlon – Particularly the Ironman distance, which includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a marathon 26.2-mile run, all raced in that order without a break.
2. Marathon Running – Requires sustained endurance and mental fortitude over a distance of 26.2 miles.
3. Tour de France Cycling – Long-distance cycling races, especially those that last multiple days like the Tour de France, demand incredible endurance and physical stamina.
4. Rowing – Competitive rowing is known for its intense physical demands, requiring both cardiovascular endurance and strength.
5. Cross-Country Skiing – Known to be one of the most demanding of the endurance sports, requiring strength, endurance, and technique.
6. Boxing – Requires intense physical stamina, strength, speed, and mental endurance, especially during lengthy matches.
7. MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) – The physical intensity of fighting combined with the need for diverse skills in various martial arts disciplines makes MMA incredibly exhausting.
8. Water Polo – A physically demanding sport that requires swimming skills, strength to tread water, and the endurance to play long matches.
9. Soccer/Football – The sport demands continuous running and physical exertion throughout the match, which typically lasts 90 minutes.
10. Basketball – High-intensity sprints, jumps, and continuous gameplay make basketball physically draining.

Each of these sports places high demands on the athlete’s body and requires a combination of endurance, strength, speed, and mental toughness. The level of exhaustion an athlete experiences can also depend on the intensity of competition, environmental conditions, and individual fitness levels.