Motocross Injuries Leave Doctors Questioning Sport

Motocross Injuries Leave Doctors Questioning Sport


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(Salt Lake City, KSL News) -- Eight people were injured at an amateur Motocross event at the Delta Center yesterday, causing concern among local doctors.

The injuries ranged from broken ankles to a fractured spine and paralysis.

More than 700 riders competed in the one-day event. Riders say they are aware of the risks and expect occasional injuries.

But doctors say they have to wonder if the fun is really worth the risk.

"We have young people, healthy men who showed up at the Delta Center tonight, that will be seriously impaired for the rest of their life," says Dr. Kirk Gilmore, an emergency physician.

Sportsmen's groups say the risk in Motocross is no more than other sports.

"Generally, the average is 3 percent. When you look at other sports like football or even skiing, that's a pretty low average," says Jade Barlow with the Utah Sportsmen's Riders Association.

Doctors say the young man with the fractured spine likely never will regain the use of his limbs.

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