Narratives of disabled athletes in an able-bodied world

Abstract

This qualitative study, set in a postmodern context, explored the narratives of six disabled athletes, all of whom participated in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. Each participant was asked the question: “How do you experience being a disabled athlete in an able-bodied world?” The aim of the study was to understand how these athletes attribute meaning to their lives as disabled athletes. A narrative analysis was conducted and the results presented in the form of letters of reply to the participants and the reader. From their narratives it is evident that there are diverse ways in which the participants experience their lives as disabled athletes. The majority of participants seemed to identify with the social model of disability, indicating that society and economic structures have a marginalising impact upon disabled individuals. However, they also provided new outcomes in how they experience being disabled, which add to an integrative approach to disability. All the participants narrated situations that were more challenging for them because of their disability; however, it appears that sport plays a very positive role in each of their lives. Copyright