Student column: In sports, risks and rewards to consider

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While every sport is different, there is one thing they all have in common: injuries. You see it all the time. A common injury is the concussion. Another one is breaking bones in the arms or legs. All these injuries bring up one question: Is participating in these sports worth the risk?

A great example of the result of these serious injuries is Adrian Peterson from the Minnesota Vikings. Last season in a game that couldn’t help the Vikings’ losing record, Peterson got tackled by his left leg and tore his ACL. He was told he had to undergo major surgery and it might be over a year before he could get back to playing football.

Everyone in the sports world wondered if we would ever again see the explosive player we once knew. Some questions that were aroused once Peterson started his rehab are, is it worth it for him to try to come back to football after a major injury like that, and how will this affect his playing ability?

Many people were doubtful about him coming back, but he proved them all wrong when he started in the first game of the 2012 season. But even now, my mom still gasps whenever Peterson gets tackled in fear of another injury happening.

Another example is me. As a competitive gymnast, I have a pretty high pain tolerance. So when my left elbow started hurting, I put on a brave face and dealt with the pain. About five months after I hurt it, I went to get it checked at an orthopedic office. They told me my bone was in four pieces and that it had indeed been broken five months ago. I have to undergo arm surgery and I am out of all physical activity for almost one year.

A question my mom asked me was, is it worth it? When you are a parent looking out for a child, the answer is obvious: no. But when you are a child with a passion for a sport, the obvious answer is yes. A serious injury could happen to you, or it might not ever happen to you.

It may be hard for some people to comprehend why a person would want to do a high-danger sport where they can get seriously injured, but if you are an athlete, your heart is full of love for your sport, and you will do almost anything to continue doing it for as long as you can. I am living proof of that. I was out all of last year as well because of a fractured right elbow, and throughout the injury, all I remember thinking is, “I can’t wait to get back to competition.” Most people thought I was crazy for even thinking about going back.

So, is it worth the risk? Maybe or maybe not. But if you have the passion for a sport, you will do whatever it takes to still be a part of that sport, no matter what the risk.

Becca Opp is a student at Farmington High School. Her column appears every other week

Tags: high school, opinion, farmington, commentaries