Defiance in sport

Abstract

This article examines the role and value of defiance in sport. I argue that defiance is a virtue in sport and make a case for it as a spirited and praiseworthy way of counteracting burdened conditions. To do this, I distinguish between three forms of defiance: 1) ascetic defiance as persistent practising to overcome limits and outdo difficulty, 2) agonistic defiance as intensified efforts to counteract and overcome opponents, and 3) rebellious defiance as counteracting unjust authority. These describe ways in which athletes can counteract burdens in sport, and for each dimension, I present examples from sport to illustrate the relevance of defiance for this particular area. I conclude that defiance is at the heart of the sporting practice and that it is virtuous when enacted towards the right things, at the right time, in the right way and towards the right ends. I round off by briefly pointing to areas for further studies of defiance in sport.