🍓Summary
The article explores why some people are drawn to extreme sports like base jumping and free solo climbing while others avoid them. Traditionally, many assumed extreme athletes were reckless thrill-seekers, but research and experts like Eric Brymer suggest otherwise.
Most athletes carefully develop their skills over years and focus on minimising risk. A 2024 study identified several motivations for participation: risk management, connection with nature, sense of community, achievement, and emotional regulation. While thrill-seeking does play a role for some, many pursue these sports for personal fulfilment. For example, Alex Honnold, the first to free solo climb El Capitan, says his motivation is not adrenaline but a deep sense of contentment and achievement. Ultimately, extreme sports may simply be another way for people to step outside their comfort zone and grow.
🍔Reading questions
1. Do you think those who participate in sports such as base jumping and free solo climbing are all reckless thrill-seekers?
2. What does Eric Brymer argue about extreme athletes?
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1. I just love spending time in the forest. It makes me feel so at one with nature.
2. As a hiking enthusiast, I spend every weekend exploring new trails.
3. Writing in a journal became a private outlet to process my thoughts and feelings.
4. Her reckless driving put everyone else on the road at risk.
5. My free solo climbs make me feel fulfilled and deeply content.
6. He tempted fate by riding his bike down the hill without checking his brakes first.
7. An extreme sport is one where a small mistake could result in a serious injury, even death
8. many extreme athletes are thrill-seekers, whereas others use extreme sports for emotion regulation. For those who struggle to confront their emotions, extreme sports can provide an outlet.
9. the feeling of achieving goals outside of our comfort zone is something many of us can relate to.
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parachute
tempt fate
base jumping
free solo climbing
reckless
thrill-seeker
at one with nature
drive
a sense of achievement
emotion regulation
outlet
comfort zone
like-minded people.