Astute observers of this winter X-games in Tignes, France, will notice something missing this time around. Past events always included a grand finale of sorts, much like the “cherry-on-top” to the entire competition. As contestants competed throughout the week to reach such pinnacle events as the Ski Slopestyle final or the Superpipe, observers began to get excited about the adrenaline-charged moment: the Best Trick Event.

The Best Trick Event typically included the best and brightest snowboard or snowmobile artists. However, because of the ongoing investigation into the untimely death of X-games snowmobile rider, Caleb Moore, ESPN and the X-games have discontinued the event. The accident occurred in January when Moore’s snowmobile flipped and landed on top of him. Though there was a scramble to uncover him, it was already too late. The danger of these events stems from the competitors’ continuous struggle to push the envelope with bolder moves or better variations.

For example, the 360 degree rotation was once the gold standard in the skateboard/snowboard world. However, once the trick was performed successfully, many were able to eventually mimic it with practice, and the quest to go one step further than ever before continues. Unfortunately, the X-games and ESPN believe this overzealous nature will eventually cause greater accidents like Caleb Moore’s. Greater protection for athletes is key in ensuring greater athlete safety during tricks. Hopefully, with better protective equipment, the Big Trick Event can be safely returned to the Games, as fans will undoubtedly be disappointed this year.

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender^TM products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.