The Adaptable Athlete Podcast Why Athletes Don’t "Acquire" Skill—They Adapt it w/ Duarte Araújo
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Oct 22, 2025 Duarte Araújo, a leading expert in ecological dynamics and skill learning from the University of Lisbon, discusses the evolution of athletic skill. He argues that skill is not something to be acquired but an ongoing adaptation shaped by the environment. Duarte emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful practices that allow athletes to discover their own solutions, advocating for a shift in coaching methods. He introduces the concept of cognizant action, highlighting the intelligence inherent in movement and the dynamic interplay between athletes and their surroundings.
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Skill Is Adaptation Not Acquisition
- Duarte Araújo argues skill cannot be 'acquired' like knowledge stored inside a person.
- He proposes 'skill adaptation' as a better metaphor reflecting continuous athlete–environment coupling.
Being Versus Becoming
- Duarte contrasts 'being' (essence inside the person) with 'becoming' (dynamic relation with environment).
- He traces the history from Plato/Descartes to Gibson and Heidegger supporting ecological perspectives.
Climbing As Problem Solving
- Duarte recounts climbing where routes are 'problems' you must solve uniquely each attempt.
- He notes even memorized routes vary with fatigue or energy, showing situational adaptation.