Unread postby SlickVT » Fri Jul 28, 2006 8:35 am
This whole topic frustrates me.
With all the respect in the world, Kevin's death was very tragic and untimely, but all the pads and helmets outside of a full-fledged motorcycle helmet would have been no use in his case. Thats because it was a freak accident. Kevin was a good vaulter, and a good guy, and he know what he was doing, it was one of those weird jumps where everything goes haywire.
One of my teamates had a jump like that at the Knoxville Twilight. He went up, got disoriented (didn't realize it), turned and landed... on the front bun.
I know I am going to hear the argument that "Well, helmets can't hurt". I disagree, because I have never worn a helmet, tried last summer, and was extremely distracted, let alone when I would land, I nearly got whiplash a few times. And that was in one day.
Accidents happen, and I think that requiring helmets is ridiculous. It should be a choice, and nothing more.
Pole vault is an extreme sport, and we do it by choice. That extra element of danger is what makes it so thrilling.
Vertical Technique Pole Vault Club
Blacksburg, Virginia
verticaltechnique.com