As heroes, athletes perform vital roles in the lives of children, teenagers and adults alike. They represent specific values, reinforce norms and act as role models. They also have the capacity of questioning such norms. School children in particular can be influenced by these features both positively and negatively while undergoing early adulthood. For example, role models can have detrimental effects if they merely function as vessels for the advertisement industry or, even worse, perform doping or other unsportsmanlike conduct. This lesson plan deals with the influence athletes exert on the lives of pupils and the role their identity-forming attributes play in shaping their personalities.

We have adapted the teaching material on heroism in sports to different age groups in order to convey key questions and contents.

PE lessons in grades 5 and 6 focus primarily on fair play and the development of personal ethical standards. Additionally, the critical features of identity formation in the context of sports are examined to better understand the values embodied by athletes that are heroized.

For grades 7 and 8, the focus lies on morality in sports. Here, we have conducted an in-depth examination of how moral values can be applied to heroes in sports and the impact this has on identity formation in the sports arena.

As part of the lessons for years 9 and 10, the plan goes beyond merely discussing athletic performances. For example, we address the specific criteria by which heroical athletes and their suitability for everyday life are judged. Further, the importance of their statuses as role models is critically examined by delineating the limits of such a role. Relevant cultural contexts are taken into account as well. Moreover, a critical lens is placed on the extraordinary bodily, physical exertion demanded by athletic achievements of athletes – something that occupies a central role in processes of heroization. 

The lesson plan is based on the results of TP D9, headed by Prof. Dr. Andreas Gelz.

Further materials for high school lessons deal with the movie "Invictus", as well as the political significance of the 1995 Rugby World Cup. These can be found here.

The material is constantly being improved and we would be grateful for further feedback and suggestions.

Soon, you will find our contact details on FreiDok+.

Other issues that the SFB project “Ö” has addressed in relation to heroism in sports concern recent changes, such as the declining relevance of idolization and the emergence of new forms of heroic behaviour in sports. Please feel free to learn more about this in Issue 10.1 of the e-journal “helden. heroes. héros.”