Safety First, Gold Next

 Safety First, Gold Next

    You say you're going for the gold at the next X Games? What's your specialty--snowboard superpipe, or maybe bicycle dirt jump? You've got the right equipment, a good coach, and the will to win. What else do you need?

    You'll need to practice safety. Athletes in the X Games wear proper protective gear, which usually includes a helmet. Other safety equipment can include mouthpieces to protect teeth in bumps and falls, and protectors for knees, elbows wrists, and shins.

    To impress the judges with daring stunts, it's important to keep any equipment, such as a skateboard or bicycle, in good working order. Equipment should be checked regularly and properly maintained.

    During practice or performance at the X Games, it's important to stay alert and aware. Look out for hazards such as loose gravel or rocks. One little pebble on a bike track can send you flying over your handlebars.

    Warm up properly before you practice or compete, and if you feel pain, don't ignore it. Get medical help right away.

    "Safety has to come first in extreme sports," says Carlos, an action sports athlete. "I always wear a helmet, even when I'm just practicing bicycle stunts. My brain is my most important tool in action sports, and I want to protect it."

    Whether action sports are just a pastime or a ticket to the X Games, safety should come first. Then you can concentrate on nailing that triple twist and winning the gold.