Which are the top 10 most dangerous sports in the world today? Engaging in sporting activity is often considered a time of pleasure. However, as relaxing and fun as a sporting activity can be, accidents and even fatalities tend to occur. Many sports that involve competitions—even if you’re not facing your opponent—carry the danger of harm.
We have covered topics such as the best football leagues in the world, the richest mma fighters in the world, and more. But now, we bring something more.
Sports can be dangerous whether in the air, on land, on the sea, or wherever participants choose to practice their athleticism. That said, what are the most dangerous sports in the world, you may ask? This article has compiled a list of the top 10 most dangerous sports in the world. To find out more, keep reading further.
#1. Street Luge
Street luge is a game that involves one or two persons in a reclined position on a board, sliding down a hill or paved road. Most times at high speed. Athletes who play this game lie on their backs and take off down the lane.
Although participants are expected to wear protective helmets and leather, still it’s a scary and dangerous game. The chances of a collision on the road are high as there’re breaks only on the feet. No doubt, it is one of the most dangerous sports in the world.
More so, this game has had its fair share of fatalities, with Nodar Kumaritashvili being one of its not-so-recent fatalities—a competitor from Georgia who passed on the opening day of the 2010 Olympics in Canada.
#2. Skiing
You’re probably wondering, what can go wrong with skiing, right? Well, many things—especially when it comes to helicopter skiing. If the athletes involved in helicopter skiing are not careful, they can sustain skeletal and muscular injuries.
If you’re acrophobic, helicopter skiing is not the sport for you. Nonetheless, if you wish to try this sport, you can do so in its country of origin—Canada, where you can enjoy 11 meters of dry snow while being lifted by a helicopter.
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#3. Boxing
This is a combat sport where two people get to fight each other while wearing mouthguards, hand wraps, and protective gloves. It is no surprise that this isn’t an injury sport.
According to statistics, 90% of participants in this competition often suffer brain damage during their careers. They may also be prone to Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases in the future.
Boxing could also lead to death. This game is only for the brave-hearted. Other common injuries from this game include fractures, cuts, shoulder dislocation, concussion, and bruises to the face. It is deserving of the list of the the most dangerous sports in the world.
Scary, right? But the risk of sustaining any of these injuries can be reduced when you put on proper protective gear.
#4. Motorbike Racing
Next on our list of the top 10 most dangerous sports in the world is motorbike racing. Sending your body speeding down a track in a car is crazy. Imagine doing the same thing on a bike—a crotch rocket, with only a helmet and a few layers of kevlar for protection.
Although the level of safety and security in this sport has increased tremendously since its inception, it is still considered life-threatening and one of the deadliest sports in the world.
#5. Equestrianism
You may be wondering how dangerous horse riding can be. Well, it may surprise you to know that any type of horse riding can be pretty dangerous. No matter how well you paddle or try to protect yourself, you can not predict a fall or when you’ll stutter slightly on a horse.
Equestrian is a traditional sport as horses were once a means of transportation. However, several events in horse riding—show jumping and jumping over dressage—often lead to injuries.
That said, the next time you’d like to ride a horse, ensure you’re protected and have a helmet on. Prepare for the unexpected but have fun while at it.
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#6. Scuba Diving
This is yet another one on the list of the most dangerous sports in the world. Scuba—Self-contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus enables you to stay underwater for a long time to enjoy the beauty of sea life.
What makes this sport dangerous is the changes in pressure underwater. The pressure fluctuations can burst an eardrum, sinuses, or lung. Exposure for a long time can also cause blockage of small blood vessels, blood supply failure, and tissue damage. Learn more about the scuba diving risks, and stats.
#7. Gymnastics
7th on our list of most dangerous sports in the world is gymnastics. This sport requires strength, balance, agility, coordination, flexibility, and endurance. Although it’s a dangerous sport, it helps develop the legs, shoulders, arms, chest, and abdominal muscles.
Some of the casualties in this sport include spine fractures, ankle sprains, cartilage damage, and wrist fractures.
#8. Base Jumping
Next on our list of the top 10 dangerous sports in the world is Base Jumping. Although this is considered a leisure activity where participants jump from a fixed object using a parachute, still it’s considered a deadly sport.
Unfortunately, since its inception, this sport has claimed several lives. This sport attracts many fans from all over the world, but it has also caused many deaths. No, sugarcoat, base jumping is one deadly sport out there.
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#9. Soccer
Soccer is currently one of the most popular sports and also a part of the most dangerous sport in the world. The chances of football injuries are pretty high. Imagine several athletes running after one ball. The chances of collision with their opponents are pretty high.
Football lovers can agree on how often the medical team interrupts a game to help an injured player. Joints and muscles of the legs are common injuries athletes face. Nonetheless, this doesn’t stop players from contending fiercely.
#10. Mountaineering
Finally, mountaineering is on our list of 10 ten most dangerous sports in the world. Otherwise referred to as mountain climbing. Participants of this game try to reach the peaks of high terrain, more often than not, for fun.
Mountaineering is one of the riskiest sports in the world. Millions of people who engage in this sport every year get hurt. Most of the injuries result from slipping or falling on a rock. Plus, the wilderness poses an unending amount of threats. While engaging in this sport, wear protective gear, but prepare for the unpredictable.
There you have it. These are the most dangerous sports in the world. If you engage in any of these sports, ensure you’re protected.
