I think VO2 is a piece of a bigger fitness puzzle. With runners you also need to factor in lactate threshold. Not to mention running efficiency/economy.
At the high level I think of fitness as the combination of: Speed, Strength, Power, Endurance, Flexibility, and Balance.
Then athleticism would include all of the fitness indicators plus some sport-specific technique and skill (or proprioception).
At the high level I think of fitness as the combination of: Speed, Strength, Power, Endurance, Flexibility, and Balance.
Then athleticism would include all of the fitness indicators plus some sport-specific technique and skill (or proprioception).