Athlete Archetype

May 20, 2013 — 2 Comments

At the crossroads of sports performance and fitness training is a special intersection of interest and comparison. We compete with ourselves in many sports. Team sports have an extra dynamic, but freestyle sports played or performed by individuals offer a chance to bend the meaning of sports and scoring. Winter and summer X games are good examples of these evolving sports and athletes. Tricks and styles evolve each year to new heights and dangers.  Extreme sports involve heavy risks, so most folks prefer to watch as fans. Others find sponsors and spend all their time in training or competition. What is the healthiest blend of training, practice, participation, and admiration of others?  What is the best way to avoid injury and stay fit while playing or competing?

I believe prehabilitaion is important, mentally and physically.  Life requires variety, balance, flexibility, and range of motion.  In a healthy athletic training routine personal willpower and strength of spirit are the qualities we admire and aspire to reflect.  The athlete archetype is the symbol of transcending limits.  Physical limits, including handicaps, are frequently overcome in Special Olympics and Senior Olympics through training and competition. Expectations that build esteem for the whole sport and all the players are the healthiest.  Entitlement, either to cheat or misuse athletic ability for selfish ends, is the shadow aspect of this archetype.  Winning at all costs, taking power over others, flexing strength beyond games and into inappropriate settings is the activity of the bully, shadow athlete.   Football thugs in Europe display this kind of trashy sportsmanship.  The false sense of invulnerability and entitlement that lives on the dark side of competition is the enemy of good health and balance.  Games are played on and off the field and the clock.  All or none, win or loose mentality does not belong in every aspect of life.  Check your inner athlete, and how your games are played to learn more about your own beliefs about winning, loosing, and dedication.