FROM IMPERFECT TO HIGHLY PERFECT: THE KALOKAGATHÍA OF PARALYMPIC ATHLETES

Abstract

This article aims to discuss kalokagathia (the good and the beautiful) in the passage of the athlete who transcended physical limitations or imperfections imposed by disability to the position of excellence achieved in a career as Paralympic athlete. When it comes to sports, the “imperfect” metaphor points out who people with disabilities are and where they are, when and why sports practices become accessible, and where they are today. Biographical narratives were used as a method, which allowed understanding the transition processes of the athletes studied. All of them were on an Olympic career path when they suffered an accident or illness that physically limited them. What has been seen and heard of these athletes is their love of life shining over any atrophied muscles, darkness in their visual fields or missing body parts.

Keywords
Disabled Persons; Athletes; Philosophy; Athletic Injuries