Alexandros Polythodorakis’ Post

I'm conflicted reading this. One cannot deny that Snowboarding's inclusion in the Olympic program helped wintersports as a whole. Participation increased across both skiing and snowboarding, manufacturer sales increased dramatically, and athletes who'd been labeled as 'misfits' and 'delinquents' participating in 'the worst new sport' by Time magazine only a few years prior became household names virtually overnight. One also cannot deny that there's been a price for such growth. The commercialization of these sports came at the expense of creativity. As sponsorship dollars retreated towards skiing and snowboarding's competitive disciplines, these sports - once vehicles for creative expression - began to more closely resemble disciplines like figure skating than the activities which their lineage could directly be traced to (skateboarding and surfing). This transition alienated passionate participants and prospective entrants alike. To be clear: I don't think this is solely the FIS's fault. As an industry, we've stopped investing in the future of these sports. We've largely walked away from activities and events that celebrate/reward creative expression and/or facilitate participation. A lion's share of our R&D efforts and new product initiatives focus on the development of products or experiences that are engineered to enhance performance rather than eliminate pain-points for new / early adopters. And we're struggling with earnest efforts to make our sports more accessible and inclusive. Whether this will be good for these disciplines (and the future of these sports) is irrelevant. For better or for worse, that train has left the station. In my mind, the question(s) on the table are as follows: (1) What lessons can we learn from Snowboarding and Freeskiing's inclusion, and (2) how can we - endemic brands, governing bodies, and media - apply these lessons to insulate these disciplines from experiencing the same whiplash? Would love to engage with thinkers & doers like Liam Griffin on this subject...

Para-Nordic skiing is the collective name for two different parasport disciplines: para-biathlon and para-cross-country skiing. It is all about fitness and style. Skiers with lower body disabilities might use a sit-ski. For para-biathlon, success lies in the capability of alternating the skills of physical endurance and shooting accuracy during the competition. Athletes with visual impairment are assisted by acoustic signals, which indicate when the athlete is on target. https://ow.ly/jNhp50TcGlb

Para-Nordic skiing is the collective name for two different parasport disciplines: para-biathlon and para-cross-country skiing. It is all about fitness and style. Skiers with lower body disabilities might use a sit-ski. For para-biathlon, success lies in the capability of alternating the skills of physical endurance and shooting accuracy during the competition. Athletes with visual impairment are assisted by acoustic signals, which indicate when the athlete is on target. https://ow.ly/z3HY50TcGla

Although hip injuries are less common than knee injuries when skiing, they can be quite serious. The incidence of hip injuries can be up to 30% in professional elite skiers and snowboarders during a professional season. In recreational skiers, the two main mechanisms of injury are either overuse or a high speed crash. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ek6rv6Pi #skiinjury #hipinjury #paragjaiswal

Although hip injuries are less common than knee injuries when skiing, they can be quite serious. The incidence of hip injuries can be up to 30% in professional elite skiers and snowboarders during a professional season. In recreational skiers, the two main mechanisms of injury are either overuse or a high speed crash. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eHFq2qmU #skiinjury #hipinjury #paragjaiswal

Skiing is a thrilling way to enjoy the winter, but it’s not without its risks. Research shows that skiing injuries occur at a rate of about 2-3 per 1,000 skier days, with knee injuries being the most common. A study from The American Journal of Sports Medicine found that knee ligament injuries account for nearly 35% of all ski injuries, with ACL tears being a major concern. Wrist fractures and head injuries are also frequent, particularly among beginners and snowboarders. Stay safe by using proper equipment, warming up, and knowing your limits! #SkiSafety #Skiing #WinterSports #ACLInjury #SkiAccident #SkiingTips #StaySafe #SportsMedicine #InjuryPrevention #KneeInjury #SnowSports #SkiSeason #AdventureSafety #OutdoorFitness #WinterAdventures

Check out my recent feature. Here I discussed why YOU should visit Gangwondo!!

Without exception, strength conditioning is essential for achieving your peak potential in alpine skiing and avoiding injury. https://ow.ly/H4YQ30szLNB

Winter Skiing in Europe 2024: Expert Snow Predictions Discover 2024's top winter skiing destinations in Europe with expert snow predictions, tips for the best slopes, and unparalleled skiing experiences! Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/dKcG49mW #Europe2024 #skiresorts #snowpredictions #Winterskiing #wintersports