A thread about Sarah and the risks of the sport

*DrewT*

*DrewT*

Active member
Having read through the I ride for sarah thread, I'm getting the impression that alot of people don't realize the severity of brain injuries like this. This is the type of injury that people often don't recover from or could result in permanent brain damage. Given that doctors still haven't made a prognosis, it is not at all out of the question yet.

To Sarah's family, if you happen to read this, you should know that I and everyone in my family is thinking of you and we can only hope for a full and speedy recovery.

To NS, I think this situation brings up serious questions about the risks involved with the sport, particularily in the direction it is heading. This is not a broken arm or even a broken back. Although it is entirely possible (as we have seen with CR and Kevin Pierce) that Sarah will fully recover and return to the same self, it is also possible that she does not. She could struggle forever with motor function or vision, changes in personality or have short and long-term memory problems. She could be left a vegetable. She may never wake back up. I really do not know the likelyhood of any of these events or the details of Sarah's condition, but doctors are not saying much and that makes me worry. I think under these circumstances the question of if she'll ski in the olympics, or if she'll ever ski again period are of little consequence, at least until we know more.

And what if she does recover fully? Well great of course. But that doesn't mean it couldn't happen to somebody else. Infact with the sport heading to the olympics the risks are only getting bigger. It really is only a matter of time until someone else suffers a similar injury and doesn't come back. I'm by no means saying that we need to abolish the halfpipe or skiing altogether, I'm just saying that the legitimate possibilty of dropping into the pipe and never waking up is not to be taken lightly.

I grew up watching my older sister on the couch from injuries she'd gotten skiing. All during her teens she recieved a broken leg, collar bone, shoulder blade, ribs, dislocated shoulder [over a doezen times before surgury], at least one concussion before she broke and dislocated both of her hips overshooting a tabletop at Lake Louise to end her prospects of a future in the sport. Of course the news that she would never ski competitively again was devastating to her, but it was secondary to the news that she would be able to walk and hopefully even ski (which she did) and probably have children (which she also did 3 times). Yet despite all of this I still got into the sport. I knew very well the risks involved and I respected them and that respect kept me relatively safe as a got better and better and I went on to do some stuff I definately never would have expected when I was 10. Personally my only injuries were concussions (which I did have 6-8 of) and minor tweaks etc. I can tell you that most of my injuries came either at times of overconfidence, or when I was pushing myself for a competition. Both of these are preventable and should not happen, but when you ski 80+ days a year that leaves alot of opportunities for something to happen.

So do I think skiing should continue? Of course. Few things in life have ever brought me the same kind of joy that I knew from skiing, but I also think it's important that the next generation of skiers be well aware of what can go wrong on the hill. There is a life after skiing, and what happens skiing can change that life. The average age on this site is what 15? Life is long, at 22 I can tell you that I am glad I stepped back from the sport. I had a much greater risk of serious brain injury given my history of concussions and having known what it was like to live with post concussion symptoms, I wanted a future free from brain injury. My mind is who I am (litteraly) and it is all any of us have. I will never quit skiing entirely and I will never forget the great times I had while I was training seriously for a future in the sport, and I am very glad to have a future in front of me where I can choose to go skiing whenever I damn well feel like it

 
I see where you are coming from, but from what I can see, you view on Sarah's injury is quite pessimistic. If here family was to see this it wouldn't be etirely encouraging to them. Vibes. I also believe that Sarah will recover and will e ready for the Olympics. She will be able to shred again and she will continue to progress the sport after she recovers from this injury
 
helmet or not, "you ski outside your limits, ur gonna have a bad day" -southpark

sarahs really good but maybe her sponsers push her too hard. she prolly gets paid more than jon ollson, and the sponsors want her to perform. idk but i hope shes ok.
 
This was the most legitimate and moving post that I have ever read. After reading, I am realizing that living is more important that stomping a trick that you are pushing yourself hard for. +K for changing my way of life, and my thoughts go out to Sarah and her family.
 
How is talking about the possibilites and eing realistic pessimisitc? I hope only the beast possible recovery for sarah. I hope you realize that life changing injuries are a very real thing especially for those who hae expericend first hand. would say i'm praying and sending ~~vibes~~ but i don't believe in that stuff. That's not a topic to get into here.
 
It's easy to think that devastating injuries will only happen to other people, and that they can only happen when you're really pushing the envelope.
 
This is solid. I like the part where you say that there is a life after skiing. I had always known in the back of my mind that I was eventually going to have to slow down (I'm no where close to this though :) )

But anyways, we should all take away what we can from this accident. As much as the focus should be on SARAH, there has to be a certain focus on how things like this can be reduced. Because they really can never be prevented.

For now we should all back Sarah and continue to support her and her family. NS SKIS FOR SARAH.

 
I don't understand your message whatsoever. You're telling everyone to be careful? To think about consequences? You say a couple of times something to the effect of "Do I think skiing should stop? No, but..." seriously dude? That was a question that needed to be asked? And, as far as this "life after skiing" business, what?

I don't know man...I guess your intentions are good, but I truly didn't take anything from that post.

Skiing, especially park skiing is inherently risky. If you spend a chunk of your time jumping and jibbing it's basically inevitable that you're going to be injured, and probably injured significantly. Isn't the risk of injury a major draw/selling point for skiing? i don't mean that people say to themselves, "Oh, I want to ski because I could really hurt myself or die", but I mean that part of the reason why freeskiing or big mt. skiing is impressive and in a sense gratifying, even to the uninitiated, is because it's a risky, ballsy thing to do.

Are there really a lot of people out there stepping to urban rails, or half pipes, or jumps, etc. who are oblivious to the idea that injuries—potentially fatal or life altering ones—are possible? I can't imagine that's the case.
 
You can talk about good intentions but we all know the road to hell is paved with em. Sarah's friends and family are reading these threads. This one is an epic fail. Save some shred of decency and ask a mod to delete it because it's pretty much the most insensitive one I've seen yet. Sarah's gonna pull through asshole!
 
I would be interested as to what role, CR's previous head injury played in his death. If it was pretty significant, which i think it was, Sarah and her family will be taking a good hard, long look at retiring.

Anyone know, what role CR's previous injury played in his death?
 
Actually with the age group of this site I think that is a good possibility. At a younger age many people don't think their decisions through. Its more like oh that will be so sweet to do and people will love it. Not oh my skill might not be up to it and if its not up to it then I may get seriously injured.

As some of you know I haven't skied in 3 years now and the doctors say I wont again (I say I will maybe even this year), gave me a 1% chance of walking again, told me I wouldn't run again or do side to side motions but each step of the way I pushed past. As I once told someone "Sometimes in life you have to measure the risk of an action against the reward, and then still do the action even though the risk outweighs the reward." which is valid but you need to think through the risk and reward first.

But before my accident I can say I never really thought about the risk of not being able to walk again. Did it cross my mind, yeah I am sure it did. But did I really sit down and think about how that would affect me. How even in the state I am in I will never be able to play football or basketball with my kids (if I have any) while they are growing up. No I never even thought about that.

I do agree that the OP could have maybe brought this out in a better way but I also agree with the fact that maybe we need to step back a little and think of how lucky we are to get out of bed and walk each morning and to live the life that we are able to. In the grand scheme of life how important is it if you stomp that trick? Don't be afraid to walk away from something you dont feel up to. Also from the other side don't pressure other people to go for things they arent wanting to.

Then again I am going to say ski because you love it, don's ski for the attention of others. The love of skiing is the one thing that has pushed me to recover from my injury. When I talk of going again people tell me I am crazy to risk re-injuring or injuring it worse but I can't stay away.

Sorry for the long rambling post.

 
Forgive me for speaking for someone else, but Sarah has had a very unique shot at life. She's traveled around the world, met countless awesome people, and experienced things that a vast majority of people will never do.

As for me, the adventure is what makes it all worth it. This year I started BASE jumping and fell in love with the sport. Now skiing and base are my two lives. In order to be smart with both, you have to be truly honest with yourself and very real at the same time. I contemplated for a while if I was ready to jump. I sat there and played out every bad situation in my head over and over. This helped me come to comfort and try it out. After the first one, I was hooked. When you have both perpectives (one of a jumper and one not having made a jump) you can contemplate the risk vs reward that was previously mentioned. I worked an office job this past year and I would trade a 3 second freefall for 40 hours in that cubicle any day of the week. The amount of energy and feeling you get out of that one experience is so breathtaking, albeit short, that you understand why people would risk their lives and general well being for something larger than words can describe.

I'm sure Sarah never thought this would happen and it comes as a shock to those around here. It comes with the territory of being able to experience these wonderful, but temporary, moments. I hope her family can take comfort in the fact that she truly has had such an amazing opportunity to be a part of a tiny group of people who really got the most out of life. I can only hope she gets a second chance to ski again and appreciate this even more. Far too many people don't get to appreciate what they have until it's gone. As cliche as it is, it's extremely true. I applaud Sarah for being part of the tiny group of people willing to take the risk. Willing to lose life in order to maximize it. She's the type of person that many admire and few will ever become. I'm glad I got to meet her and I wish the best for a speedy recovery.
 
It's better to prepare for the worst mentally, then when she'll (hopefully) pull through it will be that much more joyous.
 
What is the point of this post? If your trying to point out that young kids don't quite understand how serious you can be injured skiing, then maybe you have a point. Otherwise you don't have a clue what you are talking about in relation to serious injuries and the risks that pro skiers take every time they make the decision to drop in.
 
I'm not making a definitive statement. My point is not don't ski, or don't take risks in life. And i am not saying that given the oppurtunity sarah or anyone else would do things differently. As a lay out in my post i've experienced more joy from skiing than almost anything in life. I do not regret the decisions i made but i was also luckie than some. I also know thers's a difference between reading about an injury online and living with the injured person. Seeing the effects of an injury that nobody ever thinks of. My point as i said is not a definitive one but i am simply trying to bring up what i see as an important debate that has and always will be around an that needs to be arounf. There are always new kids entering the sport all with their own motovations and preconceptions. If you think every kid out there on the hill or on the streets is fully aware of the risks they are taking you are very wrong. It's important to focus on the positives, and i'm sorry to bring this up at such a time but i'm certain that those at sarahs bedside are aware of the uncertainties i
 
In science class last year I remember my teacher said that sometimes when people go into comas, the dominant side of their brain will switch.

/random
 
Sorry my thumb slipped and hit reply. They are aware of their daughters/wife's condition. I am not trying to cast a shadow. I am trying to honor sarah and the risks she has taken and was well aware of. I'm sure everyone who has had to go back and keep training in that pipe is well aware of the risks, it's not them i'm talking to. Be aware of what can happen, and yes injury can happen anywhere at anytime, but be aware of your limits and be patient. Take an extra day working up to that new trick and when the risk is altogether too great, don't be afraid to step back. The decision to pursue a life in tge sport is a big one because it means you will have to ignore many of those more serious risks and go ahead anyways, be aware of that when making that decision. It's not about fear, but respect for the fragility of ourselves and the danger we face. And having spoken with my mother who has been told her daughter may never walj or have kids, i'm sure that sarahs family feel it's important that those looking up to sarah are aware. This is not just my debate, (and it's not much of a debate here since we all have at least one thing in common) it's just important that it be had. An injury doesn't end at the physical pain but at the lifetime of consequence that comes after at least certain injuries (which is about 5times longer than most people on this site have already lived). Anyone out there who doesn't have a respect for the risks they are taking is at a much greater risk in the long run. Thats why this is so important
 
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Easy there tiger.

Good OP though. It's very true and at times like these I'm quite happy I sometimes am a pussy when trying stuff I shouldn't be trying. I've broken bones, which sucks, and that's how far I'm willing to go.

 
for me better to french fry that shit and
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than pizza fuck around and live dieing.

I guess I'm missin the point of your shitty thread

Are you monday morning armchair quaterbackin others lives????

sad shit imo

More vibes and strength to SB is what is needed

not a you can die or get jacked up psa
 
I agree.

Enjoy life, enjoy skiing, but don't forget about the risks.

Vibes to everyone, and positive thoughts to the Sarah, the Burkes, the Bushys, and the rest of her family and friends.

 
i don't think her injury should change how we ski today, sure we are going to try to be safer but crashes happen.
 
I rarely bother to post on this site, but I logged in to say that this is one of the most important threads I've seen in a long time. Andrew, you are spot on. I'm also 22, and my mom is a PT who works with rehabing spinal cord injuries.

As features get bigger, people get better and stakes get higher, so do the risks. Sarah is a more competent skier than most people on here, very possibly the best female skier on the planet. IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYBODY.

The OP is reminding you guys that this sport is not without risks. When I was 15, I thought I was invincible. It's very easy to get amped up in a moment and, for whatever reason, push yourself too hard. This sport has alot to do with having balls, but it's good to take a step back and realize the actual risks from time to time. I hate hearing about you guys getting paralyzed, or worse.... just use your head out there.
 
I am no Jon or Sarah, but I sustained a similar injury as well. I was in a coma for a week and half. I recovered completely and tried for a few years to get back to where I was before. I just recently (while at Park City when this happened) decided for myself that it is just not worth the risk. I am never going to be a pro, so what is it worth to me? I am in college, working towards a good degree, and I realize how much medical bills cost especially for an accident like hers or mine. It just isn't worth, and I think Andrew is right on point. Thanks for putting it out there! I really appreciate it.
 
Injury is an inherent part of our sport. We all know that and there's no one on here that would disagree. But on the other hand, injury is an inherent part of life. Do you drive a car? Do you cross the street in the city? I know that's an extreme comparison but the truth is that life is dangerous in general. I'm not trying to downplay Sarah's injury at all....or any injury for that matter. I'm just saying that we all choose to take risks for the love of the sport but they're calculated risks.
 
as macklemore said "we live on the cusp of death, thinking that it won't be us..."we are constantly taking risks, every step we take...

 
Everyone calm down...
He is simply asking that people be careful when they ski, and that they thoroughly think about the risks...
 
living is more important than stomping a trick?

I don't ever consider dying when I ski, but I know that it is an ever present possibility.

Is that going to change me or how I ski? Am I going to stop trying big high consequence tricks?

FUCK NO.
 
I like this post. Many in this thread (I'm looking at you, orange name) fail to realize that OP had some good points as well as edits/was pretty baller in the past. Skiing is very dangerous and frankly, pushing yourself to the level of many pro skiers isn't worth it in a lot of cases. Nobody wants to end up in the position that CR, Spong, or Sarah have ended up in. I hope Sarah has a full recovery and looks at skiing in a different light - I would in no way be saddened if she chose to take it easy, become an industry member of some sort and stopped sacrificing herself for freeskiing. Spong is really the only skier I see as cutting his losses and pursuing something that'll last him a lifetime.

Nothing against wishing to become a pro skier, but at its current level its pretty cray.
 
I also agree. Priorities change throughout ur life and what might be the most important thing to u now might not be in 10, 15, or 30 years. Skiing is still part of what defines me, but its not the same as it was 5 or 10 years ago. I couldnt image not being able to ski with my daughter and watch her grow up.

Life is a marathon, if possible, save some for the whole race so u can see and experience as much as possible.
 
Living is all about walking that fine line between risk and reward. While it is wise to be aware of the risks and consequences and act reasonably to the situations, it is unwise to allow these risks and consequences to fully dictate your life.

It does not take a catastrophic fall to cause severe and long-lasting injuries or even death. I know this from first hand experience. My father slipped on ice while putting the dog outside. It was a rather innocent fall; one of those ones that leaves you shaken for a second, but up on your feet just fine. Certainly nothing to make you think twice about. Turns out that the fall caused a blood clot that got lodged in his artery and cut off blood-flow to his brain a few days after the fall. He had a stroke, and by all accounts, including the doctor, he was should've died, or at bare minimum, been a vegetable. By shear luck of circumstances, he survived and actually made a fast and full recovery. The matter to realize though is that a fit man should have died while doing something as innocuous as letting the dog out. You can live your life safely, mitigating risks all along the way and still have your life ripped out of your hands.

Be aware of risks, and be smart about them; but don't live a life of regrets in the name of safety.
 
Yeah a bit harsh in hindsight. Sarah's friends and fam have been reading these threads and the last thing any of them need to hear right now is the "worst case scenario". Saying things like "she could end up a vegetable" and "may never fully recover" and "may have life l
 
Stupid mobile version sucks. Anyway, you get the point. I think that this dudes heart was in the right place but it came out all wrong. Everyone needs to stay positive in this situation because it's real easy to give up hope. I myself have had a nasty injury so I get it. Skiing is dangerous. But for real people, have a touch of sensitivity here ok? No one needs to hear the worst case scenario right now.
 
Skiing is a dangerous sport. Every time you click into skis you are accepting that something may go wrong. It's something you have to live with if you want to continue doing the sport you love.
 
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