TECHNIQUE AND AESTHETICS: LIVED EXPERIENCE IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS BY AN ATHLETE WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Access to and provision of sports opportunities for people with disabilities have expanded globally across various levels of practice, from promoting active living to fostering high performance. Within gymnastics, initiatives for rhythmic gymnastics tailored to this audience are still in their infancy. However, the Special Olympics movement has made significant strides in offering rhythmic gymnastics programs for girls and women with Down syndrome. Drawing inspiration from phenomenological studies, this article explores the lived experiences of a high-performance athlete with Down syndrome in rhythmic gymnastics. Data was constructed through a triangulation of methods, including an informative questionnaire, phenomenological interviews, visual methodologies, and non-participant observation. Our analysis identified two key themes: sports technique as a catalyst for athlete recognition and aesthetics as a source of empowerment and a platform for the athlete’s agency in the world. By focusing on the lived experience of a disabled athlete, this study underscores the importance of supporting and empowering this community within sports. It challenges ableist perspectives and emphasizes a vision of sports as an inclusive domain, shaped and enriched by all.