Homo Extremius: A Neologism Proposed In Sports Science

The present study examines the evolution of modern humans about risk taking. First, the primitive, ancient and modern types of human beings, their skills, behaviors, and activities that exhibit a tendency towards constant risk taking are examined. Next, the biological, anthropological, social and psychological approaches to risk perception are explored. The purpose of the study is to illustrate that over the centuries many of the economic, social and even leisure sports activities have been performed on the verge of risk. The study draws on the different approaches to understanding extreme behaviors and risk perception. For this purpose, a relevant literature review is also attempted.The human being craving for reaching the limits is a certain type of person, «Homo Extremius». «Homo Extremius» is a risky type of man who defies danger even at the cost of life. Research on risky behaviour, and the motives that drive it, could help prevent young people from risk taking actions and accidents, but it could also lead to better understanding adult risky behavior, and perhaps help channel this tendency towards a more controlled context.Also, the profile and motivation for participating in dangerous situations, of which extreme sports are now part, are investigated.