# ath init

> Create a record and install the agent skill.

Website: https://ath.fit/docs/init/
Markdown: https://ath.fit/docs/init.md

ATH v0.4.3 · MIT license. Documentation source: [cd89f72](https://github.com/mwhitham/ath/blob/cd89f72eceae3961ef1a05694226515c9e4321d2/src/program.ts). If your installed version differs, check its command help.

Checked 27 September 2026: v0.4.3 is available on npm.

## Usage

```text
ath init
```

## What it does

Creates athlete.ath.json in the current folder with an athlete profile, a manual source and starter benchmarks. Existing files are not overwritten.

## Examples

Name, birth year and sex are optional. Stored measurements use metric units; --units changes display preferences. The skill is installed in .agents/skills and existing agent folders unless you pass --no-skill.

```text
ath init --name Mike
ath init --yes --units imperial
```

## Options

| Argument or option | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `--name <name>` | your name, so the file says whose it is |
| `--birth-year <year>` | birth year, which some readings are read against |
| `--sex <sex>` | male \| female, for the same reason |
| `--units <units>` | metric \| imperial — display only; stored values are always metric |
| `--file <path>` | write somewhere other than the default name |
| `-y, --yes` | skip the questions and use the flags and defaults |
| `--no-skill` | do not install the agent skill, even if an agent folder is here |
| `--json` | structured output, for an agent rather than a person |

## Related commands

- [ath import](https://ath.fit/docs/import/)
- [ath skill](https://ath.fit/docs/skill/)