The Athlete or Olympian represents the ultimate expression of the strength of the human spirit as represented in the power and magnificence of the human body. The Athlete/Olympian archetype falls into the Creative Family because working with your body is a creative expression. To be an Olympian you must also stay healthy but the major focus of energy is very much one of creativity. Because the Olympian is so connected to spiritual as well as physical strength, a code of ethics and morality is associated with the archetype, which is an excellent example of the universal power of the “psyche” of an archetype. A link to the Athlete should not be evaluated by whether your physical skill is on par with that of professionals or whether your body is perfect in form and function. A person dedicated to transcending the limits of a physical handicap qualifies as much for this archetype as the professional or artistic athlete, because the development of personal will power and strength of spirit is a requirement for the body to manifest its perfection.
The shadow aspect of athletics, however, may manifest as a misuse of one’s strength against any sort of person or opponent in the world, even outside the field of professional athletics, such as a professional boxer who starts a bar fight; a false sense of invulnerability, like Achilles’ and Samson’s; dirty play; or colluding with gamblers. The shadow may also appear as a lack of honor that compels you to cheat to win.
The shadow Olympian hates or abuses themselves with Olympic strength. The shadow Olympian could have been superior at developing their body, but became superior at destroying it – the inverted Olympian.
Film Reference: Esther Williams in 'Million Dollar Mermaid'
The shadow aspect of athletics, however, may manifest as a misuse of one’s strength against any sort of person or opponent in the world, even outside the field of professional athletics, such as a professional boxer who starts a bar fight; a false sense of invulnerability, like Achilles’ and Samson’s; dirty play; or colluding with gamblers. The shadow may also appear as a lack of honor that compels you to cheat to win.
The shadow Olympian hates or abuses themselves with Olympic strength. The shadow Olympian could have been superior at developing their body, but became superior at destroying it – the inverted Olympian.
Film Reference: Esther Williams in 'Million Dollar Mermaid'