Hilfiger Athletics by Tommy Hilfiger, 1998

Hilfiger Athletics, one of the premier and longer lasting citrus scents around (although now discontinued). It has a very sharp/sour/citrus opening, which I think might be the White Grapefruit. The top stays with you all the way to the drydown. Looking for a citrus fragrance for the Summer that you dont have to reapply throughout the day, then Athletics is a must.

South Indian summer temp`s are +45 deg C, with abt 90% and more humidity - this cologne, while (extremely) harsh to begin, lasts mighty well in this hot & humid weather. I used it along with the deo stick, which definitely adds its properties. 12+ hrs longevity. Not the best office cologne, unless u wore it 2+ hrs before u get in. Strictly a summer cologne, grt for tropical countries. Havent had a better grapefruit accord of this intensity in any other cologne & women LOVE it, in spite of its savage opening!!!

Savage opening probably precluded it from mainstream success. It's a shame as it had niche appeal at a low price. I assume this was created by a freelance perfumer for Hilfiger's brief. Either way, it should have been taken on by a more high-end fragrance name where it may have faired better. It's sad that supply seems to have all but dried up. I will use my remaining 25ml wisely.

This is one that I didn't much care for at first but after some wearings I began to take a liking to it and wear it often. Starts out sharp but then nicely settles. I spray this one on clothes most of the time since I like to it to linger for as long as possible. The other reviewers speak well about the notes.

This is the least marked/dated of Hilfiger's 90's scents. Everyone knows the Apple pie/cranberry/rhubarb accords in Tommy, and it's played. Athletics flew under the radar, and I think this is an excellent pickup for citrus lovers. Its a long-lasting Grapefruit accord that totally dominates here, everything else is a distant 2nd. Some light aromatic Greeness and woods play the back all the way to the final drydown. THe main Grapefruit/Citrus accord, while not as natural as either Hermes D'Orange Verte, Miller Harris Tangerine Vert, or any of the Creed Citruses (Zeste Mandarine Pampelmousse being the closest), it lasts much much longer, and is just a little bit sweeter. On the other end of Citrus comparison, it is no where near the candylike synthetic sweetness that is Clinique Happy or Bond no.9 Little Italy. The scents that are closest in overall feel are Fresh Hespiredes (very similar, although hespiredes is more feminine), and to a lesser degree AdP Arancia Di Capri. If you like those 2 you will like Athletics, as I do.

I owned this in 1998 when it came out, and I restocked on a 100ml bottle when i heard it was discontinued. It's a fresh, clean citrusy smell all right..however, you can't win with this cologne...it smells REALLY strong in the initial spraying, but wears off sooner than you'd think..certainly worth keeping in your collection though..

I don't know why this fragrance is so underrated here! Initially It starts very sharp and citrusy (It's that nice accord also present in scents as Aramis Always, Psris Hilton, Echo and Polo Black) and after some time exudes a great light sweet smell that mixes perfectly with the top notes. I thought this note was originated by some fruity composition as a light "Tutti Frutti" note, but later I solved the mistery: It's the cottonwood! Truly exquisite!
Nice sporty casual scent, has also a good longevity on my skin. It's a pitty that It's discontinued.

I'm in total minority on the boards as I like this a lot. Sure it's a tad synthetic in the long run, but the primary citrus burst is just perfect for hot days. Actually the topnotes have a lot in common with Creed's Zeste Mandarine Pamplemousse as they are all about zesty grapefruit. The drydown is completely artificial though compared to ZMP, but if you can get it cheap you shouldn't hesitate. Also it's superior to Biagotti's Aqua di Roma that is the latest mainstream fragrance heavy on grapefruit.