The Winter X Games are Flipping Out

February 22, 2017

During the winter months, as you filter through the sports landscape on the television, you are going to find a lot of lame stuff like a college hoops game between Ball State and Bonaventure University. Occasionally, you will come across something that at first you were going to pass on until you see the most unbelievably athletic feats that the human body can perform. I just came across the Winter X Games in late January from Aspen, Colorado. Most of us have seen the various sports showcased in the X Games, but the Winter X games enlightened me on all kinds of things you can do in the snow to endanger your well-being.

The Winter X Games began in 1997, an offshoot of the X Games, which started in 1995. As I landed on ESPN and the games, I caught some of the Freestyle Snowmobile. As much as I wanted to move on from the acrobatic act on a snowmobile, I didn't turn the channel. I have never seen this before, and I wonder how this became a sport. I’m sure after a bit of research, I  can get the lowdown. All of the research will not answer how and why one finds themselves doing this type of feat. Of course, when if you live in snow country, this type of activity can happen. It is probably no different from a motorcycle or BMX rider when performing flips and landing them. I also wonder how the early practice sessions went when they were working on a new maneuver. What happens when they don't square up the jump, and the landing is off?

Suppose you have never watched these games before. In that case, I will tell you that almost all of the events involve the ability to manipulate your equipment, project your body under challenging maneuvers, and land in an upright position. This as entertainment cannot be denied when you think about everything it offers. These games provide the danger of spectacular wipeouts, incredible acts of athletic ability, and young people having a great time. If any of this is your cup of tea, then you will not be disappointed.

The rise of the X Games in popularity makes sense because not every kid growing up doesn't fit into the team sports box. So many kids get thrown into soccer because it is easy for them to grasp. Just run, kick the ball, and for God's sake, don't use your hands. If the kids like it, and it's more of a social thing, and they excel, then, by all means, keep them in it. So many kids come out of the soccer and Little League thing bored but find more joy in the individuality of skateboards, snowboards, and bikes. Nowadays, the equipment has advanced and is more affordable than it has opened the door for these young daredevils. Most parents are mortified to see their kids trying out this stuff, but they cannot stop their child’s interest.

I am not sure how much farther they can take these maneuvers on snowboards, skis, and a snowmobile. There will be a point when the jumps and heights are so high and complex that it becomes more of a circus show. I don't know how big this audience can grow because the average sports fan cannot relate. The Winter X Games will slowly evolve and probably stay a secondary choice on a cold wintery day. I think the sport needs a decathlon event that crowns the world's greatest X gamer. There you have it, and the couch potatoes view of the X games that admire the skills and awesomeness but want more. Just a few more ideas: demolition snowboarding, half- pike and rifle shooting, snowmobile dodge ball. Okay, I will stop.