- Recent research analyzed Olympic injury data from 2008 to determine the riskiest sports for beginners.
- BMX was identified as the most dangerous Olympic sport, with a 34.38% injury rate, whereas Canoe Slalom was the safest at 1.2%.
- The London 2012 Olympics recorded the highest injury rate, with 12.8% of athletes reporting injuries.
A new statistical analysis has pinpointed the Olympic sports most prone to injury, revealing that over one-third of BMX cyclists experience injuries during competition.
The research, conducted by online casino site Casinority, reviewed recorded athletic injuries from the Summer Olympic Games since Beijing 2008. By comparing the number of athletes in each sport with the number of reported injuries, the study identified which sports carry the highest risk.
Olympic Sports Most Prone to Injury
BMX racing was found to be the most dangerous Olympic sport, with 34.38% of athletes reporting injuries. The risk was particularly high in 2016, where 37.5% of BMX riders were injured, compared to 31.3% in 2012. Although BMX racing saw a notable drop in 2020 (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) to 26%, BMX freestyle still presented a risk, with over 6% of athletes injured.
Taekwondo ranks just behind BMX as the second most dangerous Olympic sport, with nearly 30% of athletes sustaining injuries. Although the risk was reduced in Tokyo 2020, it surged to 39% in 2012. Football also poses a high risk, with over 27% of its 1,508 competitors injured between 2008 and 2016.
Mountain biking (MTB) has an average injury rate of 22.44%, but saw a significant drop to 7% in 2020. Most injuries were minor, with only about 1% lasting more than a week. Boxing, despite a lower average injury rate of 18.12%, had the second-highest number of injured athletes at the last Olympics, suggesting an increasing risk. In 2020, 5% of boxing injuries extended beyond a week.
Olympic Sports Least Prone to Injury
Canoe slalom is the safest Olympic sport, with an average injury rate of just 1.2% over the past four Games. The last Olympics recorded an exceptionally low injury rate of under 5%, with only two injuries reported between 2012 and 2016.
Rowing is close behind, with a 2.25% injury rate among 1,640 Olympians, and only 3% of athletes injured in 2020. Canoe sprint, while relatively safe, has a slightly higher injury rate of 3.22%, with 3% of athletes injured in 2020 and 1% experiencing injuries lasting over a week.
Commenting on the Findings, Alex Gambler, Spokesperson for Casinority, Said:
“Trying new sports can be exciting, but caution is key. High injury rates among professionals underscore the risks, especially for beginners.”
“While physical activity is essential for health, it’s important to choose sports that match your fitness level and skills. Start with less demanding activities and gradually increase intensity. The goal is to enjoy exercise, not to emulate Olympic achievements. By listening to your body and seeking professional advice, you can benefit from an active lifestyle while minimizing risk.”
