We spend a lot of time discussing the concept of sport, the athlete and the role they play in wider society. As we have been writing and editing the next episode of Outspoken we have been confronted with this question in light of a major war. Of course that changes things dramatically right? Or does it? As we’ve been debating this we keep coming back to something a guest said on a previous episode of the show. So today we wanted to dive back into the archive with alpinist, Adrien Costa. As I said we have a brand new episode of Outspoken coming next week as well as more Ramble and Scapes in the works.What is an athlete? It’s a simple question with a myriad of complicated answers. Or is it? Adrien Costa had the cycling world at his feet, amassing an incredible resume before the age of twenty when seemingly out of the blue he decided to leave the sport entirely. Finding himself in the mountains once again but this time closer to their summit Adrien was again pushing himself in pursuit of his limits, that is until the universe pushed back. Adrien lost his leg in a climbing incident. But rather than let his injury define him, he’s channelled that brush with death to find clarity on what it is to be an athlete and a human being. Outspoken is a thereabouts production. Produced and edited by Abigail Levene, & Angus Morton. Sound design and mix by Ben Cranell. Executive producers Isaac Karsen & Angus Morton. Music by the enigmatic Builders Tea If you like our films, podcasts please become a member. You can sign up at our website: thereabouts.ghost.io Music: @_builderstea thereabouts: @hereorthereabouts Abby: @aplevene Gus: @thatisgus