Friday, April 13

Injuries, Awards, and Lawsuits - What Next?

By Jessica Holt
EXPN.com

Injuries, awards, and lawsuits - never a dull moment in the world of action sports. So what's been happening around town this week?

MTX - Twenty-four-year-old German babe Katja Poensgen took Suzuka, Japan, by storm on Sunday when she made her debut as the first woman Grand Prix rider in six years. Although there were two other women before her to race in the Grand Prix, Poensgen is the first to challenge in the intermediate 250cc class. She may not have placed in the top ten, but she still gives the boys a run for their money. Kick some ass for the ladies!

ETC - Snow tubing has never really been considered an extreme sport, but maybe it is. In a story from the Morning Call in Leighton, PA, it was reported that the Jack Frost Ski Area was sued for negligence for injuries suffered by two women while snow tubing there in 1998. Although the jury concluded the ski area was negligent, it was decided that the ski area was not to blame for the accident. The women's lawyer argued that because snow tubes can't be steered like skis and snowboards, the accident that injured the women must be the ski area's fault. The logic seems a bit shaky there, but maybe it would be worthwhile to have snow tubing in the X Games next year, with a "best crash" category.

SKT - It wasn't the Oscars, and it wasn't the Action Sports and Music Awards either. But Blockbuster tried to get a piece of the action when many of Hollywood's top stars, including Warren Beatty and Kate Hudson, turned out Tuesday for the Blockbuster awards. Skateboarder Tony Hawk made an appearance to claim an award for favorite PlayStation video game, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Along with his ESPN Action Sports Achievement Award, it looks like Hawk is the virtual and real-time man.

SNB - In an effort to curb avalanche-related accidents and deaths in Norway, the Norwegian Tourist Association wants schools to instruct children about the great danger of avalanches. In particular, the Association wants young people to be aware of the extra danger of skiing or snowboarding off-piste, a favorite activity among local youths.

BMX - Etnies team riders Taj Mihelich and Nathan Wessel are recovering from injuries. Taj is on his way home from Michigan, and may need another surgery on his finger. Nathan is back to riding again after an eye injury took him out for a while. Etnies will also be releasing a video some time this year featuring their riders, so be on the look-out.