"Downhill is a sport of the future"("Скоростной спуск-олимпийский вид спорта будущих Олимпийских игр")

Участие в конкурсе переводов.

Легалов Дмитрий

МОУ "Гимназия №87" г. Саратов

9Г класс

Руководитель: Клерикова О.А.

В.Шекспир . Сонет 18.

Могу сравнить тебя я с летним днём?

Но ты красивей, сдержанней, милее.

Как в мае ветер колыхнёт чуть - чуть бутон, Но лето он не сделает длиннее.

Так горячо нам светит солнца глаз,

 Но жизнь идёт, и солнца луч тускнеет. Увянет красота приходит час,

Нет ничего, что время не изменит.

Но для меня ты будешь жить всегда,

И не увянет солнечное лето.

Забудусь мёртвым сном, и лишь тогда Отпустишь сердце ты влюблённого поэта.

Пока дышать и видеть могут люди,

В стихах поэтов жить любовь их будет.

                  Муниципальное автономное общеобразовательное учреждение    

                                                  «Гимназия №87»

Downhill Is a Sport of the Summer Olympic Games in the Future.

Скоростной спуск - олимпийский вид спорта будущих Летних Олимпийских Игр

           Выполнил:

                                                        Ученик 10 «б» класса

 Дюндин Владислав                                                      

                                                        Руководитель:

                                                                                   Клерикова Ольга Алексеевна.

Саратов  2014

.

      Contents:

      Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 3

 Chapter 1. The  Importance of  Doing Sports for Teenagers 

      §1. Extreme Sports Instead of Bad Habits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

      §2. Downhill. What Is It.? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6    

       Chapter 2. Downhill is a Sport for Everyone.

       §1. From the History of Downhill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

  §2. The Useful Information to Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . 9

 Chapter 3. Downhill in My Life

  §1. Downhill is My Favourite Sport……………………………………………11

       §2. They Became Famous…………………………………………………..11

       §3. Some Instructions for the Beginners   .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

       Conclusion .,…………………………………………………………………….14

       Bibliography and References……………………………………………………15

       Appendix 1. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . .16

       Appendix.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . ..17

Appendix 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . .18

Introduction

The XXII Winter Olympic Games are scheduled to take place 6 to 23 February, in Sochi, Russia. Ninety-eight sports events in fifteen winter sports will be held. Of course, every citizen of our country is waiting for the competitions. Most of us will be lucky enough to have witnessed in person a historic sporting event. Even if we can watch the Games on TV, we may lay claim to being a part of that history. We will receive and contribute to the collective energy at the precise moment in history. It's something that stays with us and even carries a certain weight to those who will only hear about it later.

You see sport can give us a place in history because the Olympic Games are the most famous sporting events in the whole world. No doubt you also share the idea to learn more about sports.

Why is it helpful to do any sport regularly? Why are extreme sports popular among teenagers? Which  sports do young people do in the world  today?

 So, the aims of my research work are

to investigate the reasons why the teens should do extreme sports;

to get acquainted you with downhill as it`s my favourite sport;

to prove that it`s the best sport for a teenager;

to give the predictions about the future of downhill.

That`s why I consider the topic under the discussion to be very important and interesting today.

You can hardly overestimate the meaning of sport in our life and day-to-day activities. Actually physical culture must accompany every person from the deep childhood to the death but sports also play a great role in the life of teenagers.

They say, during the last years there is a great increase in keeping fit and staying healthy. A lot of teens all over the world started jogging or joined different fitness clubs. Indoor activities, with their water slides and tropical vegetation, became very popular. The students in Russia attend the lessons of PE 3 days a week. But despite the increase in the number of teens participating in sports, the majority of young people still prefer to be spectators. I think that Russian teenagers spend less time doing sport than young people in the US and Britain. (see Appendix 2).

I want to draw your attention to the fact that the  most of the teenagers whom I have

interviewed spend the most part of the day watching TV. They like chatting with their friends and prefer listening to the music. Don`t forget   the modern way of life when people have little physical activity is turning them into legless creatures. If you don`t train at all, you can have some diseases, such as hypodynamia^[1].

 Scientists think the lack of any moving activities is a serious problem today. The prevalence of hypodynamia grows in connection with the urbanization, the automation and the mechanization of labor, an increase in the role of the means of communication.

Sport engages our mind too. Obviously sport is a physical discipline, but even the casual fan will tell you that mind and body work together. But when one gets to the top of his game, the mental aspect is huge in devising strategy, studying video, researching and developing training technique, etc.

Everybody knows sports prevent us not only from getting too fat and helps us to stay healthy, but the main purpose of going in for sports is to develop a generation of strong and healthy people. It brings up the harmoniously developed generation. It is the task of great importance.

As for me, I`m interested in sports and prefer extreme sports. My favourite one is downhill  as it`s popular in different countries and has already become winter Olympic sport.

I think that downhill biking may also become an Olympic sport in the nearest future because it brings up your personality, will and nobility. In my research work I want to examine the problem how to start doing sports.

That`s why I hope my report will be useful for teenagers.

Chapter 1.What Is Downhill?

§1. Extreme Sports Instead of Bad Habits.

A lot of teenagers are eager to become adults. The   easiest way to show they are cool is to drink alcohol or start smoking. Do you know that only 13 % of the population smoke in the USA, but in Russia - more than 76%? In the world 400000 people die every year as a result of smoking.  The bad habit nowadays is a serious problem. It must be mentioned, that  most of the  kids smoke their first cigarette at the age of 11 or 12.I asked my classmates some questions about smoking. (appendix3)They know that smoking causes heart problems, cancer and ulcers, but were really surprised to learn that nicotine is an addictive drug like alcohol. Some of them confess they have a lot of free time but don`t know what to do. The teens wish to live an exciting life. Why don`t they go in for sport? It is a useful hobby. Besides, sport prevents you from bad habits. Sometimes going in for sports is connected with the great risk and their life can become more interesting and full of adventures. The authorities of different countries know about the problem. In Great Britain, for example, there are special programmes for problem teenagers such as a high–risk activities, when they are taught to jump out of the airplanes.

 I offer to do an extreme sport. By the way, according to the diagram (Appendix 1),the students of the10 th and 11th forms of our gymnasia enjoy  to watch extreme sports on TV.54 % of them want to start doing extreme sports .

You might think that the main thing of an extreme sport is its danger. But excitement is another significant part of the sport. In fact it is the combination of fear and pleasure. That provides the real thrill. This way of fear becomes pleasure, if you can get adrenaline. This attracts my friends most of all.

 Adrenaline^[2] is the hormone which prepares our bodies to react in times of stress or danger. When a person perceives a situation as dangerous, adrenaline is released into the bloodstream in order to increase blood flow and heart rate.

Blood is rapidly supplied to the parts of the body needed most like the legs and the pupils of the eyes. At the same time, the supply is reduced to areas of less importance, like the skin and stomach.^[3] Sport provides the element of danger. There is something in many of us, especially the young that like to tease disaster. We can stand at the edge of the cliff. We are aware of gravity, inertia and momentum, yet we disregard the unexpected gust of wind. It is so important for a young person to become faster, higher, stronger.

Sport can validate our competitive nature. Some would argue that the competitive urges in us are merely primal, animalistic aggression which should be stifled. I’m convinced our competitive nature is God-given. What should, and does separate us from the animals, in our competitive nature, are the kindred virtues of respect and honor. Any person, gifted with athletics (or any other) talent, who does not pursue his maximum potential misses the mark.

Sport touches the depths of our emotion. What is it about our soul that seems to yearn for the extreme? I suspect that apart from birth, love and death, sport uniquely spans the spectrum of our emotion.

Sport even lets us believe in the impossible. “Do you believe in miracles? Yes”. It doesn’t happen often enough but from time to time we are ready to believe in magic things.…

To sum up the best hobby for a teenager is to choose an extreme sport. As for me I have chosen downhill because it is the most interesting sport for me.  

                                         §2. Downhill. What is it?

First I should understand what the word “downhill” means. Of course, it is a mountain biking. It is a summer activity that is spreading all over the world. Using the chairlifts or gondola lifts at the area, mountain bikers can get up to higher altitudes quickly. The bikers don`t  have to ride up, and the area operators can keep the hill. ^[4]        

Downhill mountain biking (DH) is a time trial event held on a steep, rough terrain that often features jumps, rock gardens and other obstacles. Downhill bikes are heavy, strong, and feature front and rear suspension with over 8 inches (20 cm) of travel, to glide quickly over rocks and tree roots. A continuous course is defined on each side by a strip of tape. Riders have a single attempt to reach the finish line as fast as possible, while remaining between the two tapes designating the course. Riders must choose their line by compromising between the shortest possible line and the line that can be travelled at the highest speed. If a rider leaves the course by crossing or breaking the tape he must return to the course at the point of exit, unless he does not gain a time advantage form crossing the tape, in which case he can continue with his run. Riders start at intervals, often seeded from slowest to fastest. Courses usually take two to five minutes to complete and winning margins are often less than a second. Riders are timed with equipment similar to that used in downhill skiing.        

Chapter 2. Downhill is a Sport for Everyone

§1. From the History of Downhill

The first downhill time-trial race was in Fairfax (state California) in October 22 in 1976 on a track which is called «Repack Road». I know that the name of this track is very incomprehensible but it’s called so because after every race the bearings are sorted out. It is because of the coaster brakes, which are overheat therefore the grease burns up. The first bikes which were used for downhill were called «clunkers» or «paperboy bikes». By 1979 two organizers and racers of downhill track Repack – Charley Kelley and Gary Fisher – based a company «Mountain Bikes», so this title became the name of this sport.

Since 2007 many downhill bikes have become easier and are equipped by air damper.

. The first bikes were based on beach cruisers that had a single rear brake that worked by pedalling backwards. A mechanism came into operation causing a conical metal brake shoe to be wound on a thread into a conical metal hub. To prevent a metal to metal brake from snatching it was always filled with grease. Heavy use of the brake during the descent would cause the brake to overheat, melting the grease till it drained from the hub and required repacking. Ten riders descended 1,300 feet (400 m) of Repack in about 5 minutes. By 1979, two organizers and competitors of the Repack downhill, Charlie Kelly and Gary Fisher founded the company which named the sport, MountainBikes. As mountain biking grew enormously during the 80s, downhill riders continued to use either rigid or limited suspension travel (under 2 inches (5 cm)) bicycles, and purpose made downhill bikes were not made until the 90s. Some of these innovations included dual crown suspension forks and disc brakes, as well as very elaborate frame suspension designs.

        Later, riders from all disciplines of cycling began focusing on downhill. Particularly, many BMX racers made the crossover, including champions such as John Tomac (Team Tomac Bikes), and Brian Lopes. Their influence is seen in the increased difficulty of many courses, especially the big jumps and drops aspect of downhill. The coming of age for downhill biking was its inclusion at the first UCI Mountain Bike Championship, held in 1990 in Durango, Colorado Downhill racing venues.         

§2. The Important  Information to Know

Now many ski areas are converted into biking venues in the summer (such as Whistler Mountain Bike Park and Fernie Alpine Resort) however there are also many other hills with Downhill Mountain Bike trails built on them. Bikers ride gondolas, trams or chair lifts to the starting point at the top of the mountains. Another method commonly referred to as "Shuttling", uses motorized vehicles to transport multiple riders to the top of the hill. Normally utility vehicles or 4WDs are driven up off-road tracks to the top of the courses. However, some tracks provide access to ordinary cars - such as Kuranda Downhill in Cairns, which runs down the Smithfield side of the Macalister Range and uses the road as access.

Courses used in competition typically feature several "lines" through or around the most difficult obstacles. For example, the "A line" might be a very direct line with a large jump landing on rocks, the "B line" might be a smaller jump with a clear landing, and the "C line" might completely avoid the obstacles, but be much longer. Nowadays downhill is popular in different countries.

Bosnia and Herzegovina are rich in mountains especially around the capital city of Sarajevo, in which a down town race is held.

This kind of sport is developed in Australia.

Canada is famous for its downhill racing as well as other sorts of mountain biking. The mount of Bromont, situated in Bromont, Quebec, and Mont-Sainte-Anne near Quebec City are great places for downhill biking.

The French Alps are home to many downhill routes and events. Another downhill course in the region is Les Deux Alpes which sometimes hosts other downhill events. The downhill courses and events are limited in the area however, because of the alpine winter and snow. The most popular area for downhill in the French Alps is the Portes du Soleil including the two more popular resorts of Morzine and Les Gets. Most recently, a world cup was held for the first time in La Bresse. In August 2011, La Bresse hosted the sixth round of the UCI World Cup.

In Germany the landscape is quite diverse, reaching from flatlands in the north to medium-sized mountains in the center to alpine mountains in the south. Downhill tracks in Germany are not as steep as in Switzerland or Canada and the difference from top to bottom is less, but the main parts of an average track are everywhere in Germany. Racing on these short tracks is highly intense and allows no mistakes. Due      

to the country's large population the sport has developed quickly in Germany. The number of riders can go up to 600 at races.

Downhill cycling has increased in Ireland over the past 10 years, for example, the National Points Series rounds regularly attract over 250 riders from all over the country.                                

        Russia offers a lot of suitable places to do this sport. The most comfortable ones are mountains and hills around Sochi. I have been doing this kind of sport for nearly 3 years.  And I can’t say that I am a very professional rider but I enjoy this sport. I am one of the athletes who usually ride from hills of Saratov region, for example, from the ski slope near Vishnevaya Hill or from the hill which is called «Altinka», etc.

Chapter 3. Downhill in My Life

§1. Downhill is My Favourite Sport

As you see I am a fan of downhill biking, though this sport is one of the rarest extreme sports in our country. Downhill for me is an extreme racing discipline of mountain biking. In fact it is a high-speed passing of the track of a  mountain  or a hill. I’m an “adrenaline junky”.

If you try to learn some base techniques of descent and buy a good bicycle with a high level of suspension you will get really fantastic feelings about vertiginous speed, turns, masterly jumps and other tests of gravitation.

So I like extreme and it’s very difficult for me to stop. I don’t know if it is a problem for me or not. But, however, it is much better than sitting at home and watching TV for hours.

Our daily lives are full of danger, from driving our cars to cholesterol in our food. Downhill is the top of an iceberg. But how good are we really at assessing these risks?

I’m not sure that I have chosen the right way in life

Parents tell me to take danger very seriously. They think that from the injuries nobody is defended. To answer I can give you the example from my favourite book. There is a girl called Molly. Her parents know that the father of one of her friends keeps a gun in their house, so they decide that Molly is not allowed to play there. Instead, they feel that Molly would be much safer spending time at another friend’s house, where there are no guns, but there is a swimming pool. You may think this is the right choice, but according to the statistics, you would be wrong. Every year, one child per 11,000 private swimming pools is drown. However, only one child is killed by a gun for every million guns. This means that a child is 100 times more likely to die in a swimming accident than of playing with a gun.^[5]

The risk that scares people and the risk that kills people are very different things. And I am optimistic about my safety.    

§2.They Became Famous

There are a lot of well-known stars in downhill. I want to tell you about the famous downhill riders who can be the examples I follow doing the sport.

 Aaron Gwin started his own cycling career off early racing BMX from the age of 4. By the  age of 8 Gwin was racing all the nationals .When he was 12 Gwin went on to motocross and raced up until he was 17 when he had to  quiet due to constant injuries. In 2008 at age of  20 Gwin was loaned a bike by fellow professional downhill racer and good friend Cody Warren and was encouraged to complete in a rece. In his first race in the Fontana Winter Series he got the third place.Much of Gwin’s style and skill came from his motocross days, and his whips and jumping technique are excellent. He also gained a lot of fame from racing BMX for so many years.

Despite being the flattest continent on the Earth, Australia has produced a large number of internationally successful downhill racers, including Sam Hill, Chris Kovarik, Nathan Rennie and Mick Hannah. Canada has produced many world-class mountain bike racers, including Andrew Shandroand.

Danny MacAskill is a professional street trials rider for Inspired Bicycles Ltd. He was born and raised in Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. On April 19th, 2009 when he was 23 year old the athlete released a 5:30 minute street trials video on YouTube. The video changed his life. It was filmed and produced by his flat mate Dave Sowerby, “Inspired Bicycles” got a few hundred thousand views over night and today it  has been watched over 28 million times. Since the video was streamed, things progressed really fast for Danny. He found himself featured in the NewYorkTimes and several other big publications, joined a Hollywood production as a stunt man, appeared in a TV-commercial and was nominated for the Category “Action Sportsperson of the Year” at the Laureus World  Sports Awards as well as for the National Geographic Adventurer of the year Award.

Naturally he gave up his job as a Bicycle mechanic and moved to Edinburgh to ride.  

 It’s a pity I can’t give the names of famous Russian riders. It is difficult to understand why it is so. Our country is the biggest in its territory. You can find a lot of places to enjoy downhill, that`s why I invite all the strong and brave guys to join me and my sports club.                                                                                  .

§3. Some Instructions for the Beginners

Parents, coaches, school administrators and young athletes themselves have become more aware of the importance of healthy and safe pursuit of sports and recreation. Increasing numbers of advisories and websites are devoted to preventing injures in

your athletes and educating the public on protective equipment and sports gear. The things must  be changed to reduce youth sports injuries and things are changing, thanks to involved young athletes, parents, families, school administrations, coaches, health care professionals and concerned sports organizations. No matter if you prefer downhill skiing or downhill biking a large number of lift facilities and slopes should offer perfect conditions for sports. Those who would like to enjoy free riding will be enchanted by a fairytale landscape. Some people like a little extra adrenalin. If that’s you, try any extreme sport, but be sure not to overdo it.

 Remember downhill requires high fitness levels and carries higher risks.

 On the safer side, ride with a professional driver down is necessary. If you really need to tackle some track, turn to the experts at climbing schools where the  licensed guides work.

Kids are encouraged to wear helmets for riding . Goggles and protective eyewear, like shatterproof goggles, are recommended for the  sports.

Finally, kids must  have mouth guards to do the  sport.

Conclusion

The modern way of life when people have little physical activity, use cars instead of walking, watch TV for many hours is dangerous for peoples` health, so sport must be an essential part of our everyday life. Of course sport is every day work. It requires discipline, commitment, hard graft.  I have lost the numbers of the cases, when I have felt exhausted and unable to continue.  When I hear of someone like Jamie Peacock, who has played in 10 Rugby League Grand Finals, or see friends like Debbie Flood give years of their time to compete in the Olympics, I remember that sport is not for those who has not been prepared. As I review the points above, I realize that sport impacts us at every level of our being: body, mind, soul and spirit.

As you see sport is an important part of my life. I like sports competitions and enjoy downhill biking. I think it helps me in different ways. First of all, sport builds character. It teaches me to win and to lose. It makes me strong, fast and patient. More than that, it   makes men out of boys. Besides it teaches you about life.

 For each Olympics, a new flame is started in the ancient Olympic stadium in Olympia, Elis, Greece, using a parabolic mirror to focus the rays of the Sun. This flame begins its Olympic Torch Relay by touring Greece. Some days ago the citizens of Saratov met the Olympic Torch in our city. It was the great event which gave us a good opportunity to realize the importance of the Olympics and sports as well. In winter Olympic Games downhill skiing is included into the programme of the competitions, as it is one of the most popular winter sports. I hope in the nearest future downhill biking will become the Olympic sport too. So you have time enough to devote some of your free time to sport. If you prefer extreme sports, choose downhill. Remember that doing regular sports can give us really good prophylactic and healthy effects, which is extremely necessary for people of all ages and especially for teenagers.

Bibliography and References

1.  C. Oxenden, C. Latham-Koeng. New English File Oxford University Press 2012
2. G.Boriskin Hypodynamia. Yaroslavl Academy Development 2001
3. Christopher Priest “The extremes”. Helbling languages 2006
4. http://wikipedia.org
5. http://www.iamspecialized.com
6. http://www.dannymacaskill.co.uk
7. http://www.mongoose.com
8. http://velorama.ru
9. http://www.redbull.com

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Hobbies

Most of young boys spend about 65 hours every week on their hobbies and a quarter of them have at least five hobbies:

Appendix 3

It’s amazing how many misconceptions there are about smoking. Do this quiz to see if you are as much of an expert as you are.

TRUE            FALSE

1. Chain smocking is very bad, but an occasional cigarette with friends won’t do any harm.                                                                        …                …
2. People who smoke are more likely to get colds and flu.                …                …
3. Smoking makes you feel less stressed.                                …                …
4. Scientists have developed a safe cigarette.                                …                …
5. Nicotine is an addictive drug like alcohol and other narcotics.        …                …
6. If you’ve been smoking for many years, it’s too late to stop.        …                …
7. One in four smokers starts smoking at the age of twelve.        …                …
8. Cigarette companies aim their advertising at young people.        …                …
9. Smokers get money more cavities in their teeth                        …                …

than non-smokers.

10.  There is no proof that smoking when you are                         …                …

pregnant harms the baby.

1.  Smoking causes heart problems, cancer and ulcers.                …                …
2.  Scientists have proved that smoke from other

 people’s cigarettes is harmless.                                        …                …

3.  If you don’t start smoking before the age of twenty,                …                …

You probably will never start smoking.                                …                …

4.  Athletes can smoke without risk because they are fit.                …                …
5.  More girls smoke then boy.                                                …                …
6.  Many teenagers smoke because they lack self-confidence.        …                …
7.  It’s easier for teenagers to stop smoking than it is for adults.        …                …
8.  There is no proof that smoking leads on to other drugs.                …                …
9.  If you stop smoking you put on weight.                                …                …
10.  Tobacco kills more people in America each year than

Alcohol, cocaine, murder and AIDS combined.                        …                …

Give yourself one each correct answer.

17-20         you really know facts and you are definitely not a smoker because you realize how harmful it is.

13-16 you are like most people; you know it’s dangerous, but may be you are putting your head in the sand about a few things.

9-12 maybe now you’ve learned o lot of new and scary facts, you will think twice about smoking.

0-8 who are you kidding? You probably think smoking is good for your health.