The body experience of the triathlete: Uniting with nature and overcoming it

Abstract

Each of the three sports of triathlon is centered on a natural element: water for swimming, air for cycling, earth for running. Additionally, the athlete experiences the fire of the effort. From a sociological point of view, the ability to manage the body in various elements and to switch from one discipline to another very different one, while showing qualities of endurance, relies on aptitudes highlighted by capitalism and liberalism. From a spiritual point of view, the narrative thread of a triathlon race reminds us of the biological evolution from water to earth, which happens conjointly with an increased perception. The triathlete learns to handle the different elements, but mostly by developing strategies of evasion. Each natural element imposes a particular body and mind experience, which can be analyzed using Bachelard’s works. While dramatizing an ecological return to primitive nature, triathlon shows how humans can dominate it.