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Original poster

Olympic Skateboarding - helmets

43 replies

ElecticBetty · 28/07/2024 17:01

AIBU for thinking that you shouldn’t be able to compete for skateboarding Olympic medals unless you’re wearing a helmet?

Not only do a lot of children enjoy skateboarding, there are a lot of them competing as well. Obviously skating organisations regulate themselves etc but I feel like the Olympics should be positioning safety as important in a sport.

One of the Olympic principles is to promote sport. It’s not a good look.

gitnux.org/skateboarding-head-injury-statistics/

OP posts:
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mondaytosunday · 29/07/2024 17:22

None of the guys today are wearing any. But they aren't wearing pads either.

AbraAbraCadabra · 28/07/2024 23:31

They are adults. I think it's up to them. If you want your child to wear a helmet, that's up your you, it's not anyone else's responsibility.

Zampa · 28/07/2024 23:19

Are helmets really effective? Cycling helmets, for example, are only tested to speeds of 14mph. Great if you fall over onto a curb from standing but irrelevant in any collision with a car.

Moglet4 · 28/07/2024 23:09

Ginkypig · 28/07/2024 17:02

I missed some earlier but I’m watching the women’s street final now and they are all wearing helmets.

The American girl hasn’t got one and the Australian has had hers unfastened the whole time!

toomanytonotice · 28/07/2024 22:45

ToniGreen · 28/07/2024 17:30

More faux outrage. Hands up who skateboarded and rode bikes up to the 90's and didn't die.

Well if I had died, I wouldn’t be here to put my hand up. So your poll is flawed.

never get this logic. “We all did x y and z and we’re ok”

yes because the kids who didn’t wear seatbelts, or helmets, or whatever and did have serious accidents aren’t here to argue their side. Because they’re dead.

WildLemur · 28/07/2024 22:41

KrisAkabusi · 28/07/2024 20:23

Fuck me, that escalated quickly! You're seriously bringng Nazis and rapists into a discussion about helmet wearing?!

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Say what you want about the Nazis, but they did usually wear helmets.

KrisAkabusi · 28/07/2024 20:23

ElecticBetty · 28/07/2024 19:55

There’s no conduct you think should stop an athlete competing (once any punishment has been served)

The rapist volleyball player?
Called the head of the Olympic committee a twat?
Poisoned another athlete?
Tattooed a portrait of Hitler on their arm?

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Fuck me, that escalated quickly! You're seriously bringng Nazis and rapists into a discussion about helmet wearing?!

HellonHeels · 28/07/2024 20:23

WildLemur · 28/07/2024 20:21

In what world are any of those even vaguely comparable to a competitor choosing not to wear a peice of non-mandatory safety equipment?

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Thank you for being the voice of reason.

WildLemur · 28/07/2024 20:21

ElecticBetty · 28/07/2024 19:55

There’s no conduct you think should stop an athlete competing (once any punishment has been served)

The rapist volleyball player?
Called the head of the Olympic committee a twat?
Poisoned another athlete?
Tattooed a portrait of Hitler on their arm?

Show quote history

In what world are any of those even vaguely comparable to a competitor choosing not to wear a peice of non-mandatory safety equipment?

oberst · 28/07/2024 20:17

Also if I have ever seen people wear helmets they never have them done up either... so pretty pointless.

Floralnomad · 28/07/2024 20:14

I think it’s more of an issue that of the ones who were wearing helmets most didn’t have them done up tight enough to have done them much good anyway . Very poor example to set to children which is who skate boarding appeals to in the main .

oberst · 28/07/2024 20:09

Under 18s usually have to wear a helmet. My ex is actually commentating and I asked the same questions while with him! I found it madness.

I think out of all the skateboarding competitions I have been to (which there are a LOT) I don't think a single person wore a helmet unless a child.

mrsdineen2 · 28/07/2024 20:03

ElecticBetty · 28/07/2024 20:01

@mrsdineen2 - did you read the link in my op? The stats are there

The stats don't show that Olympic skateboarders are at a disproportionate risk of head injury.

Original poster
ElecticBetty · 28/07/2024 20:01

@mrsdineen2 - did you read the link in my op? The stats are there

OP posts:
mrsdineen2 · 28/07/2024 19:59

And dear lord don't start me on the javelin.

mrsdineen2 · 28/07/2024 19:59

ElecticBetty · 28/07/2024 17:38

It’s not faux outrage , I think they should be compulsory as it sets a bad example.

Faux outrage would be “shocked because she could hit her head and die”.

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I don't want my kids recklessly jumping over obstacles where they could trip and fall. Hurdlers should have to stop and carefully step over each hurdle to set a good example.

Original poster
ElecticBetty · 28/07/2024 19:55

KrisAkabusi · 28/07/2024 18:23

They're not there to set an example though, they're there to compete.

Show quote history

There’s no conduct you think should stop an athlete competing (once any punishment has been served)

The rapist volleyball player?
Called the head of the Olympic committee a twat?
Poisoned another athlete?
Tattooed a portrait of Hitler on their arm?

OP posts:
Original poster
ElecticBetty · 28/07/2024 19:51

I completely agree they would probably provide a difficulty for people used to competing without them.

I’m not sympathetic - everyone’s got the same disadvantage. I’m sure lots of racing drivers objected to wearing seatbelts at one stage.

OP posts:
Billybagpuss · 28/07/2024 19:40

We had the same conversation early it should be mandatory to set a good example.

the cracked helmet of one of the skiers in Sochi is case in point. No helmet that would have been her head. It’s not much different what they are doing.

WhereIsTheHare · 28/07/2024 19:35

WildLemur · 28/07/2024 19:29

There's obviously a risk/benefit analysis made somewhere. There are other Olympic sports where head injuries are a meaningful risk (gymnastics and figure skating spring to mind but no doubt there are others).

Diving, too - there have been horrible injuries with mistakes off the fixed, concrete diving platforms. Can’t see anyone suggesting divers should sport helmets, though.

WildLemur · 28/07/2024 19:29

There's obviously a risk/benefit analysis made somewhere. There are other Olympic sports where head injuries are a meaningful risk (gymnastics and figure skating spring to mind but no doubt there are others).

Procrastinates · 28/07/2024 19:15

I was amazed they didn't have to wear helmets! I can't think of any other sports where that would be acceptable.

They will have to wear them eventually but unfortunately I suspect only after someone has been seriously injured or killed whilst millions watch.

Butterflyfluff · 28/07/2024 19:13

CormorantStrikesBack · 28/07/2024 19:07

They’re less likely to be unbalanced or feel they are by a helmet, or have their field of vision restricted…..they’re not doing multiple backflips. Apart from maybe the bmx riders, do they wear helmets?

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What a load of bollocks - they would get used to it.

If that were true, older competitors have an advantage, which is unfair.

CormorantStrikesBack · 28/07/2024 19:07

Butterflyfluff · 28/07/2024 18:42

All other events where head injuries are likely (horse riding, cycling etc) have to wear safety equipment.

Why is skateboarding any different?

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They’re less likely to be unbalanced or feel they are by a helmet, or have their field of vision restricted…..they’re not doing multiple backflips. Apart from maybe the bmx riders, do they wear helmets?

missmollygreen · 28/07/2024 18:47

Helmets are only mandated for competitors under 18. Over 18 can choose.