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Dad On Facebook Shares His Thoughts On How Dangerous The Sports World Can Be After Rewatching Kerri Strug’s Performance At The 1996 Olympics
There are some things in life that bring all people together and inspire them with a strong sense of belonging. And even though watching sports games and all sorts of competitions doesn’t make us professionals, it is nice to be around cheerful people and feel a part of something bigger. People love to get involved, support their country and a certain player. However, there is a lot we don’t know that is happening behind closed doors.
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The Tokyo Olympics remind us how important it is for people to support their favorite athletes
Image credits: Byron Heath
The Tokyo Olympics is one of the most awaited events, gathering the best sports professionals from all around the world. So it was major news when acclaimed gymnast Simone Biles decided to withdraw from the Olympics team final because she was worried about her health.
This situation started a discussion about what it takes for athletes to make it to the top and when it’s the right time to take a break.
Facebook user Byron Heath wrote a post after Simone Biles’ news, remembering another great gymnast and her career
Image credits: Byron Heath
After news about Simone Biles flew around the Internet, Facebook user Byron Heath shared his thoughts on the whole situation by reminding people of another star gymnast, Kerri Strug, a then-18-year-old athlete who won a gold medal in the 1996 Olympics. A lot of people still remember her and her famous one-leg vault. The video shows how she jumps and lands badly on her ankle. People see that Kerri is hurt, but she stands up and jumps again, winning the gold medal. Everyone is cheering as she is picked up by her coach because she can’t even walk. The injury made her retire.
Being an adult, Byron understood how wrong it was for Kerri’s coach to let her jump again
Image credits: Byron Heath
In his post, Byron compares the way he saw this for the very first time and now when he has two daughters of his own. He stated that he was one of those people who cheered for Kerri because she pushed through despite the trauma and won. For a lot of viewers, this was an inspiring and exciting moment. However, in today’s context, the author of the post admitted that this wasn’t necessary and that this girl was made to sacrifice her whole career for a single medal.
Image credits: Byron Heath
Is it really worth it for athletes to risk their physical and mental health for such fame? It seems that recent context divided people into two camps: the ones who are horrified by how much these young athletes are pressured and those who say that they should be honored to be given a chance to compete for their country.
One thing is clear: Simone’s example and the way society reacts to it brings hope that things are about to change. What do you think about this situation? Leave your thoughts in the comments down below!
Image credits: Byron Heath
People online support Simone Biles and her choice to step back and focus on herself
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What do you think ?
Caro Caro 3 years ago
Although she could have stopped (she wasn't forced) she was under too much pressure by her coach. I find that these gymnasts start at such an early age they have become dependent on their coaches/trainers. When reading this post all I could think was "this is child abuse".
Joe Reaves 3 years ago
And even if she hadn't been under pressure sometimes you need to protect athletes from themselves. Midway through a competition or right before you're not necessarily in the right mental place to make a clear and reasoned decision. Take Adam Jameli starting his race yesterday after pulling his hamstring in his last warm up. He got two steps and then he had to drag himself through the mix zone in absolute agony. He made the decision to start but someone with a medical degree should have been standing in front of him saying no, you cannot start. Its no different that players with concussion wanting to get back on the field or racing drivers wanting to drive when its not truly safe for them to do so. In the heat of competition they're not necessarily able to make the right decision.
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Maren Gärtner 3 years ago
OMG, that makes me sad and angry at the same time.
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Neil Bidle 3 years ago
The Olympics: where the citizens of a country yell at all the athletes who have trained for years in a sport that those viewers have had zero interest in until now. At least football players are paid obscene amounts of money for their troubles, Olympic athletes might get a sponsorship deal or commentator job if they're lucky
Melissa Hudson 3 years ago
And how many of those football players end up with traumatic brain injuries? But as long as people are entertained, right?
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Caro Caro 3 years ago
Although she could have stopped (she wasn't forced) she was under too much pressure by her coach. I find that these gymnasts start at such an early age they have become dependent on their coaches/trainers. When reading this post all I could think was "this is child abuse".
Joe Reaves 3 years ago
And even if she hadn't been under pressure sometimes you need to protect athletes from themselves. Midway through a competition or right before you're not necessarily in the right mental place to make a clear and reasoned decision. Take Adam Jameli starting his race yesterday after pulling his hamstring in his last warm up. He got two steps and then he had to drag himself through the mix zone in absolute agony. He made the decision to start but someone with a medical degree should have been standing in front of him saying no, you cannot start. Its no different that players with concussion wanting to get back on the field or racing drivers wanting to drive when its not truly safe for them to do so. In the heat of competition they're not necessarily able to make the right decision.
Load More Replies... Maren Gärtner 3 years ago
OMG, that makes me sad and angry at the same time.
Load More Replies... Neil Bidle 3 years ago
The Olympics: where the citizens of a country yell at all the athletes who have trained for years in a sport that those viewers have had zero interest in until now. At least football players are paid obscene amounts of money for their troubles, Olympic athletes might get a sponsorship deal or commentator job if they're lucky
Melissa Hudson 3 years ago
And how many of those football players end up with traumatic brain injuries? But as long as people are entertained, right?
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