Since 1924, when the first Winter Olympics occurred, we have been watching as many different countries compete against each other for the gold. Many of these performances have been graceful, intense, or shocking. Although, sometimes we all get so into the emotions that we may forget that these games are actually very dangerous. There have been many injuries through the years of the Olympics this year being no different when Russian Maria Komissarova, who was airlifted from Sochi to Germany for surgery after the ski cross crash which has left her with a fractured spine. There have been many other injuries just like this or worse through the years that some people may still remember or have heard of. For example, the terrible crash on the eve of the 2010 Olympic Games caused the death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. This sport is highly dangerous where competitors have to slide feet first down an icy tube on a small sled at 95 mph with no braking system. Also, there have been much more serious accidents that have even led to deaths. For example, after swerving to avoid a group of racers during a practice run, 19-year-old Australian skier Ross Milne crashed into a tree leading to her death in the Winter Olympics during 1964 in Innsbruck, Austria. But, many people understand that these sports are dangerous and they know what they are getting into and what they really want to do is earn the gold for their countries. When there are these types of injuries we all hope for their full recovery and it sends a message to the other players to be careful. Of course, the Winter Olympics are for the daredevils who play the sports and those of us who like to watch from the safety of our sofas.
