caution
@baebieDARNA30 (788)
Philippines
July 19, 2008 10:30am CST
Gymnastics is considered to be a dangerous sport, due in part to the height of the apparatus, the speed of the exercises and the impact on competitors' joints, bones and muscles. In several cases, competitors have suffered serious, lasting injuries and paralysis after severe gymnastics-related accidents. For instance, in 1998, at the Goodwill Games, world-class Chinese artistic gymnast Sang Lan was paralyzed after falling on vault.
Artistic gymnastics injuries have been the subject of several international medical studies, and results have indicated that more than half of all elite-level participants may eventually develop chronic injuries. In the United States, injury rates range from a high 56% for high school gymnasts to 23% for club gymnasts. However, the rates for participants in recreational or lower-level gymnastics are lower than that of high-level competitors. Conditioning, secure training environments with appropriate mats, and knowledgeable coaching can also lessen the frequency or occurrence of injuries.
there's nothing wrong with loving gymnastics and making it as a form of good exercise, as long as proper care and caution is observed to avoid unwanted injuries.
4 responses
@greenglitterturtle (2750)
• United States
19 Jul 08
i knew a lady who was a gymnist when she was young and she loved it. but now has back problems because of it.
@baebieDARNA30 (788)
• Philippines
20 Jul 08
oh really? that is so sad to hear. but how is she now? did she continue her gymnastic exercises? gymnastic is a good form of exercise, but once done without precaution, it might lead to a serious problem.
@greenglitterturtle (2750)
• United States
20 Jul 08
she's a mother now and that is the extent of her physical activity. :D
@baebieDARNA30 (788)
• Philippines
24 Jul 08
oh i see. she got higher priorities now, and that is more important than plain gymnastics. i hope she still encourages her children to try gymnastics as long she reminds them about proper care and precautions.
@miiss_jessica (10)
•
30 Sep 10
I had done gymnastics from the age of 3 and by 11 I had started to get fairly good at it, even managing to get over most of my fears of heights and pain etc. At the age of 12 during a competition I felt a twinge in my foot. after lots of tests they found my ankle had broken from simple wear and tear from gymnastics 4 years on I am in and out of hospital frequently and have a metal pump fitted in my stomach for medication. I ended up with a chronic pain condition that followed onto a muscle problem that can eventually affect my whole body. I rely on an electric wheelchair to get around college. I stil wish now that I could go back to gymnastics and I still try to do bits at home when I am feeling good.
I never regret doing gymnastics though =]
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
16 Aug 09
I was a manager for my gymnastics team in college. It's true that girls get injured. Still, I think that if you have the talent to go to the Olympics, you should totally try. I think it would be an unforgettable experience.
@Ephraim123 (274)
• Philippines
9 Feb 09
This reminds me of the great Elena Mukhina who was so close of becoming the 1980 Olympic All Around Champion. She was actually the 1978 World All Around Champion who defeated the great Nadia Comaneci and Nellie Kim. Too bad she got injured then tried to practice and train so hard, which caused her to become paralyzed. Rest in peace, Elena Mukhina.
