Open AccessExploring adversity and the potential for growth among Iron[wo]man competitors
Author(s) -
Emily Johnson,
Leslee A. Fisher,
Zachary T. Smith,
Jordan A. Schools,
Rebecca A. Zakrajsek
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of emerging sport studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2562-3184
DOI - 10.26522/jess.v5i1.3385
Subject(s) - mental toughness , casual , mile , empowerment , psychology , competitor analysis , agency (philosophy) , mental health , social psychology , gerontology , athletes , sociology , management , physical therapy , medicine , political science , geography , psychiatry , economic growth , social science , economics , geodesy , law
The Ironman triathlon is one of the most famous endurance races in the world. Consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run, it requires significant physical and mental fitness training (Atkinson, 2008) as well as substantial investments in equipment, time, and emotional energy. As opposed to more casual leisure pursuits, the Ironman triathlon can be considered a serious leisure pursuit (Stebbins, 1982). Like other serious athletic leisure pursuits, participation in triathlon can facilitate personal growth experiences, especially through overcoming sport-related adversity (e.g., Atkinson, 2008; Connaughton et al., 2010; Galli & Reel, 2012). In fact, researchers have reported self-discovery, empowerment, agency, and mental toughness as potential benefits of sport-related growth through adversity (Atkinson, 2008; Cronan & Scott, 2008; Galli & Vealey, 2008; Granskog, 1992, 2003; Howells & Fletcher, 2015; Howells et al., 2017; Sarkar et al., 2015).