The X Games

History of the X Games

Jun 22, 2006 Jodi Gallegos

The X Games were created to provide an Olympic-like forum for a new generation of athletes. The 2006 X Games are only months away. Here is a quick look at the X Games

Hey, what the...?

In the 1990's extreme sports exploded into public awareness. People were jumping, skating and riding in ways we hadn't previously imagined. Conventional society wasn't quick to embrace these risk takers as true athletes though. They were considered daredevils and, as noted by Shelly Youngblut, were "defying both gravity and society's standards for reasonable risk." At the same time, the youth of the world were not only embracing these sports, they were breaking new barriers.

And ESPN said, "Let's go extreme..."

In 1993 ESPN recognized the potential of extreme sports and began plans for an international gathering of extreme sports athletes. The Extreme Games debuted in 1995. Competitors in nine categories including bungee jumping, skateboarding, BMX and street luge gathered in Rhode Island and Vermont for eight days of competition. 198,000 spectators witnessed the first event. In 1996 the name was officially changed to The X Games. One year later the first Winter X Games was held in California. Each year the X Games has brought successively greater attendance records. In addition to the US games and qualifying events there are now X Games being held internationally.

Finally, some recognition

The X Games has led to a greater awareness and recognition for many of its athletes. There have been video games, commercials and movies to help propel extreme sports and its athletes into public view. In 2001 ESPN hosted the first Action Sports and Music Awards which brought together extreme athletes and entertainment personalities. The X Games has legitimized extreme sports in the eyes of many "non-believers". In 2002 the entire US Olympic Snowboard Freestyle team competed in the Winter X Games weeks before the Salt Lake City Olympics. Suddenly sports traditionalists everywhere became more receptive. The X Games provides an arena for competition and recognition and has spawned its own culture. X Games are not just sporting events, they are community gatherings. X Fest is an interactive festival that offers autograph sessions, live music, demos and mini skate and BMX parks.

Coming soon to an arena near you...

There have been many changes in events over the years. During the 2006 Summer X Games you can expect to see BMX Freestyle, MotoX, Skateboarding, Surfing and Wakeboarding. The X Games XII will be held in Los Angeles, CA on August 3-6.

The copyright of the article The X Games in Extreme Sports is owned by Jodi Gallegos. Permission to republish The X Games in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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