Exploring the Interplay Between Humans and Sports Equipment in the Quest for Performance

The processes of appropriation of tools, machines, and other kinds of equipment by human beings are often linked to the notions of transparency and incorporation. Sport situations provide appropriate conditions for exploring the interplay between humans and material equipment when users are engaged in a quest for performance. In the present opinion, we discuss the notions of transparency of sports equipment used by athletes, showing that the association between appropriation and transparency is not straightforward. Furthermore, we highlight distinctions between types of sports equipment based on the latter’s behavior in relation to the athlete’s activity. This leads us to suggest three directions of research that should develop a better understanding of the interplay between humans and sports equipment in particular, and more generally the interplay between humans engaged in a quest for performance and their material artefacts.