Assignmnet 1-3

Winter X-Games  

We know the Olympics as the best of the best. Performing against individuals and teams from across the globe in a wide variety of events to inspire and motivate a country in international competition. The Olympics since eighteen ninety-six have become one of the biggest sporting events in history. Games are held every four years and links sport rivalry with other cultures (The Olympic Museum, 2007). Both summer and winter sports are held with different events ranging from volleyball to downhill skiing. Although winter sports were not introduced until the nineteen twenties, the Olympic Games have been a spectator’s phenomenon. Until the X Games have emerged. To increase the popularity of extreme sports the X Games emerged in nineteen ninety-three and remains the hardcore extreme sporting event in the world. It does not have the venue that our Olympics have but it does provide events that are truly extreme in nature and athletes that represent each event respectfully. From surfing, skating, as well as huge winter events it is truly an event not to pass up (Expn, 2007). 

Winter X-Games

We as Americans are competitive in nature when it comes to competition. With the Olympic Games and now the X Games it provides the viewer with the best of both worlds when it comes to competitive and extreme sports events. The X Games began back in nineteen ninety-three and evolved quickly into a signature event by the year two thousand-three. Who would of know that are backyard traditions of BMX racing, skateboarding and skiing would have a major impact in sporting events around the world in our present day. But these events are not like our normal routines that we know as just another day playing outside. They are extreme in nature and provide a difficulty level that makes audiences’ jaws drop and eyes pop out of their heads. Extreme in nature I mean flips, twists and heights that were not even imaginable when we were younger. X-Games have become the catalyst for sporting events in summer and winter competition. A team of professionals was gathered together in nineteen ninety-three to burst this phenomenon onto the scene and they never looked back. By nineteen ninety-six other events evolved including windsurfing, mountain biking and ice climbing events that would be the start of an international competition for the ages. In the beginning crowds of over one hundred-thousand plus came to see these events and today have progressed into major television audiences around the world enjoying these competitions. One event that has captured a major audience is the BMX and Motor-Cross big air shows. The stunts involved are some of the best demonstrations of extreme sports involved in these extreme games (Expn, 2007).    

In an event to increase popularity for the Olympic Games, especially for the younger audiences, Olympic committees have supported the participation of all extreme sports competitors to become involved in the winter games. This was accepted of course by all competitors especially Shaun White an X Game competitor and gold medal winner. White is the face of extreme sports and has become known for his acrobatic style of snowboarding and freestyle skiing tricks. The addition of these events and iconic figures is sure to provide a larger viewing audience and provide international competition that will only increase with time. Understanding that these events are embedded as an Olympic event encourages younger viewers and extreme sport enthusiasts that someday their chance at Olympic gold can become attainable. So, next time you want different approaches to a sporting event remember that extreme sports will give you that extra rush of excitement that you need to cure your adrenaline rush (Costa, 2011).

References

Costa, N. (2011) Winter X-Games Inspire Olympic Games Yet Again. Retrieved August 1, 2011 from http://www.stillmanexchange.com/sports/winter-x-games-inspire-olympic-game

Expn (2007) This History of X Games. A History of the X Games part one. Retrieved July 3, 2011 from http://skateboard.about.com/cs/events/a/XGamesHistory.htm

The Olympic Museum (2007) The Modern Olympic Games. Retrieved July 3, 2011 from http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_668.pdf