Paper short abstract:

This paper explores the experiential and contextually bounded nature of ‘able-bodiedness’, or ‘disability’, in people who are navigating relatively invisible limitations both within and beyond sport and offers a theorization of how an individual may be more or less able bodied across contexts.

Paper long abstract:

My PhD research is informed theoretically by previous studies which highlight the contingent nature of biology, as well as the fluidity of identity. This literature emphasizes that bodies can change over time and space, but often leaves the mechanics of change unexplored—a limitation which a robust anthropology of sport can begin to overcome. Given that sport produces unique configurations of bodily ability, it follows that sport also constitutes contextually specific forms of disability. My larger project explores how contextually specific identities are configured through the entanglement of social fields and individuals in boxing. For the purposes of this paper, my empirical discussion will focus on a brief auto-ethnographic reflection on distance running in which I will offer some preliminary contributions towards a theorization of how an individual may be more or less able bodied across social spaces. My unique position as both a formerly competitive track athlete (who can no longer compete because of complications following surgery for compartment syndrome) and an anthropologist will allow me to highlight the experiential nature of 'able-bodiedness', or 'disability', in people who are navigating relatively invisible limitations. Thus, this paper seeks to open up a space in which to challenge the often binary and patronizing presentation of 'disabled' individuals while at the same time investigating the ways in which bodily ability and performance are contextually bounded both within and beyond sport.