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Adrenaline is a dangerous thing. Although useful in small doses, it’s highly addictive and, like any drug, your tolerance only increases the more you get. That’s how you find yourself, one day, looking at a bungee cord tied to a precarious bridge, 1000ft above a churning river and thinking ‘what if we added crocodiles?’ Here are 10 sports specifically designed for those who reached the absolute limits of intensity, then leapt off them on a flaming motorbike, giving fate a double finger:

1. BASE Jumping

BASE Jumping is either shockingly admirable or utterly, utterly insane. With at least 200 confirmed fatalities since 1980, a sudden gust of wind, a split-second miscalculation or simple bad luck are all that’s needed to reduce you to a sticky mess they’ll have to scrape up with a shovel. The competitive element comes in seeing who can go the longest without dying.

2. Ghost Riding

The rules of Ghost Riding are simple: get in car. Start car. Wait until car has built up sufficient speed. Exit car and do tricks on roof as you cruise toward certain death. This ‘sport’ from the San Francisco area checks all the boxes required of the extreme pastime: it’s pointless, dangerous and predominantly enjoyed by young males so numbed by apathy it takes a near-death experience for them to feel anything at all.

3. Encierro

Running with the bulls at Pamplona, Spain is a rite of passage enjoyed by drunks, tourists and the insane; resulting each year in a handful of poor sods getting trampled, often by their fellow humans. Gorings and actual deaths are relatively rare (14 in the last century), but the statistics neglect to mention the number of underpants lost to sudden soiling.

4. Volcano Boarding

Like snowboarding, but down the side of an active volcano, Nicaragua’s latest (tourist) sport attracts thrill-seekers who want to combine the rush of hurtling down a mountainside with the thrill of doing it on a goddamn active volcano. Given the blending of speed and the potential for explosions it’s only a matter of time before Hollywood snaps it up for Point Break 2.

5. Buzkashi

Afghanistan’s national sport involves charging around on horseback, whip in hand, dragging a headless goat carcass behind you as you attempt to… actually, we’re not sure. While national leagues have mellowed the practice out a good deal, traditional forms of the game can last for days and are noted for their brutal violence.

6. The Iditarod Trail

Ever wanted to recreate Scott’s last expedition, but can’t get to Antarctica? Alaska’s race from Anchorage to Nome on the Bearing Sea has everything you require for your themed-suicide: bitter winds, endless night and temperatures routinely below -30c. Expect frostbite, hypothermia and frozen huskies; and for the winner… nothing. Just the glory of knowing you managed to survive.

7. Solo Climbing

What could make dangling high above the Earth, with only a sheer cliff face to cling to and a single rope between you and death even more extreme? Removing the rope.

8. Cheese Rolling

Every year, inebriated adults gather at Cooper’s Hill, England to hurl themselves headfirst down a steep slope in pursuit of a runaway cheese. Unsurprisingly there are injuries. The perfect blend of whimsy, drunkenness, and cheese, Cheese Rolling is for those who like their sports insane in more ways than one.

9. Cave Diving

Find an aquatic cave, preferably one with sub-zero temperatures, jagged rocks and aggressive marine life. Enter cave with little oxygen and no real plan, wash up dead on a beach 3 weeks later. That is cave diving; a sport that has claimed over 500 lives in half a century. It’s the deadliest sport on the planet, and will probably remain so, until someone finds a way of combining it with BASE jumping.

10. Train Surfing

Popular in Germany in the 80’s, Train Surfing disappeared for a while, only to resurface in South Africa a few years ago. The premise is simple: find a train and cling to it as it reaches speeds no human should ever endure. For maximum effect, try it on a speeding intercity.

Author: Alfie Davenport works for Ladbrokes Games. Whilst he enjoys the mild thrill of the occasional bet, he doesn’t think he has it in him to try out any of these crazy sports.

There is a certain joy in watching people make mistakes, especially in the word of sport. Seeing professionals on salaries so large its always good to see them make a mistake or two.

1. Bill Buckner -”The Nutmeg”

First to Baseball and the Boston Red Sox, leading the 1986 World Series 3-2, they were on course for their first title since 1918. However, in game six and the New York Mets having tied the game, a ground ball to Buckner at first base changed the match. The ball ran through Buckner’s legs, allowing the Mets to score the winning run, tie the series and lead to winning the series in game 7.

2. Jean van de Velde – “Sacre Bleu”

Ahhh, the french, the world would be a lot more boring if it didn’t have the passion and the va va voom of the French way of life. It would also mean we couldn’t laugh at their athletes making complete fools of themselves. Our next sporting mistake is no exception – Going to the 18th hole on the final Sunday of the 1999 Open Championship, Jean van de Velde needed only double bogey six to claim the Claret Jug. Seven shots later, including one to the water, he entered a playoff and eventually lost what had been an unassailable lead…… “merde”

3. Niclas Wallin – “Puck it”

The sport of Ice hockey is one where simple communication is vital amongst team mates. It allows your team to function fluently and also allows you to know where your colleague is when you want to give them an earful. Wallin’s team mates would’ve wanted to do the latter when the Swede, unaware his own goalie had been swapped for the extra attacker, controls the puck and lays it back to his empty net and watches in horror.

4. Leon Lett – “Showboating”

When you’ve done all the hard work, make sure you don’t mess up the simplest of scoring opportunities. You wouldn’t think professional athletes would need telling but in the case of Leon Lett in Super Bowl XXVII it was needed to be imprinted on the Jumbotron. When Buffalo fumbled the ball on their own 45-yard line, Lett picked up the pieces and ran for the end zone to celebrate, albeit a little prematurely, and lost possession before a touchdown could be awarded.

5. Zinedine Zidane – “The Head of a Frog”

Yes another Frenchman to add to the list of these great sporting mistakes, regarded as the greatest player of his generation, Zidane bowed out (literally) of the game on the greatest stage in disgraceful circumstances. Coming out of retirement to lead France to the 2006 World Cup, Zizou was at his best and had earlier given Les Bleus the lead in the final only to ruin it when the Italian defender said something about the midfielders mother,

Jessica Baranko argues that a university mascot is more than just a mascot; it is a symbol of the university and something that students can identify with when they graduate. Universities and also sports teams receive criticism from various interest groups such as PETA and Native American tribes in their use of mascots, or at the least the type of mascot. This article sets to examine the reasons why real life animals should not be used for sports and entertainment purposes.

1. Pain & Suffering:

Animals are living creatures that feel pain similarly to human beings. Jordi Casamitjan believes that suffering and pain are biological traits that have been evolving in animals the past millions of years. The spread of pain and suffering has evolved over the animal kingdom by natural selection.

Animals cannot convey their emotions or agree/disagree. They may only oppose the actions of humans with their body movement, which at times is not helpful. Many argue that because there is no consent, using animals for sports and entertainment should not be allowed.

2. Stress:

Animals do feel stressed when they are forced to do things they do not want. The best analogy for this is Jordi Casamitjan’s bullfight scene. A rope is tied to the bull’s neck. He shakes his head disapprovingly because he does not want to participate. He runs to the door and tries to leave the auditorium, only to be brought back by the fighter. Allowing the animal to be part of the entertainment causes stress as it goes against the will of the animal.

3. Inhumane:

This is unacceptable and inhumane. Arrests have been made the owner has treated his pet with cruelty. How is this situation different? Entertainment uses the animal for pleasure. How would any of us like it if we were tortured against our will? We would definitely say it is inhumane.

4. Welfare problems:

Animal Welfare Online argues that keeping animals like dolphins and whales in dolpharias causes welfare problems for the animals. Again, the idea of capturing the whale or dolphin can be very stressful which can cause injury or death to the animal trying to escape. All this is done to entertain humans.

5. No legitimate reason:

Unless it is absolutely necessary, there is no legitimate reason why animals should be used. Although many animals are used as mascots, they are not always treated humanely. Where do we draw the line? How should we draw the line?

When buying a tennis racquet, people look for power, stability, control, grip and weight. Utilizing these categories and the preferences and successes of professional players, I’ve compiled a list. Here are the top 10 tennis racquets.

1. Wilson Khamsin Five BLX 4

I use this one when playing tennis. I admire the racquet for its smooth grip, powerful stroke and its very light weight. Additionally, power and plush work well together in this product.

2. Yonex V-Con X 18 Tennis Racquet:

This is a racquet that is made for all court games and offers a unique combination of power, playability, control, and comfort. It is perfect for someone who is not the average size and is not quick (tweener).

3. Wilson BLX Blade Team

These are the racquets that champions Venus and Serena Williams use. They are good with precision and for power. The large head size provides an excellent sweet spot. The racquet is also easily navigable because of its stringed makes.

4. Head Youtek Six Star

This racquet is powerful, soft and plush. Additionally, it is lightweight and easily mobile. It has Quadface technology which lengthens the string bed and increases the sweet spot for steady power.

5. Babolat 2010 AeroPro Drive GT PLUS

Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe and Rafael Nadal have all supported this racquet. It is one of the best racquets which bring more power, more control and stability. Rafael Nadal would not be Spain’s No.1, if it were not for this racquet.

Many individuals invest thousands of dollars to become fit. Many of them are dedicated to losing weight, getting ripped and become physically in shape. Many fitness programs are designed to help those individuals achieve their goals. As such, here is the list of top 10 fitness programs.

1. P90X:

Home exercise program developed by Tony Horton. According to its commercials, it will improve people`s physique and look in 90 days. It combines strength training, yoga, cardio, plyometric and stretching.

2. Bowflex:

Bowflex is an exercise program which is used for resistance, strength and cardio training. The equipment will increase energy levels, reduce fat and joint pain, increase good cholesterol and metabolism.

3. Total Gym:

Endorsed by Chuck Norris, Total Gym is an exercise program used for strength and pilates training and stretches. The Total Gym Power Tower is most famous for its infomercials on television, featuring Norris.

4. Insanity:

Comparable to P90X, it improves fitness in 60 days. The program involves stamina training and emphasizes max interval training. Individuals using Insanity would exercise for 3 to 4 minutes and then take a 30 second break before beginning the exercises again.

5. Smith Machine:

Invented by Jack Lalanne, this piece of equipment is used for weight training programs. The machine could be used for a number of exercises such as squats.

There are many fitness icons who’ve tried to revolutionize fitness training, weight loss and becoming fit. The following 10 fitness personalities have gained widespread popularity and have had a major impact on North Americans with their innovative initiatives.

1. Tony Horton:

Tony Horton is a fitness instructor and personality most famous for his boot camp style home fitness program. The P90X program, as it is called, has sweat inducing and muscle pumping exercises which ought to revolutionize people in 90 days. In his free time, Horton tries to push his body to the limit in the water and on the slopes. He runs gymnastics programs for him and his friends every Sunday.

2. Richard Simmons:

Simmons is another fitness personality who promotes weight loss programs on VHS, DVD and television. He began his career by opening up a gym called Simmons, which tried to help overweight and obese people lose weight. In addition to being a fitness personality, he is a political activist. He advocates for physical education as a non-competitive in public schools.

3. Jack Lalanne:

This fitness expert and personality was strong and healthy to his dying day. He was always seen on many infomercials around North America promoting the Juicer and healthy drinking and eating. He complimented his juicer with a recipe book for those interested in buying. In 1950s, he opened up fitness centers that preached the health benefits of regular exercises and good diets. Additionally, he ran television exercise programs for woman. Overall, he is an excellent role model, as he died at 96. Even when ill, he was exercising.

4. Chuck Norris:

This martial artist and actor began to do infomercials for Total Gym Home Equipment. The machines were designed for stretching, strength training and Pilates training. He even has his own martial arts school called Chun Kuk Do.

5. Bob Harper:

Appearing on the show called The Biggest Loser, Harper is recognized for training many celebrities such as Jennifer Jason Leigh. In 2010, he launches a website called MyTrainerBob which provides tips on weight loss.

Everyone enjoys a game of cricket or a game of football. Each game is unique in itself and so are the sports mascots used for the various games. They are symbols of a particular sport and are a very important part of a game. They are seen not only in the field during the games, but also on their banners, their posters, accessories, etc. A crazy fan of a particular team will also love its mascot too. And very truly, like a good game, a great mascot can never be forgotten. Given below is a list of the top 10 sports mascots that have represented different teams at the baseball games.

1. The San Diego Chicken:

He is the oldest of all the mascots, entertaining game lovers since 1974. He is also popularly known as the Famous Chicken or only the Chicken. His popularity increased so much, that he was given the title of being one of the 100 most popular people in the field of sports, by the Sporting News channel.

2. Phillie Phanatic:

He is the lovable sports mascot of Philadelphia Phillies. Normally a sports mascot has a resemblance to some animal, however in case of Phillie Phanatic we can’t be too sure about the animal that he resembles to. He is a representation of the loyalty of Philly fans. He was so popular that his costumes have been kept in the Baseball hall of Fame.

3. Harvey the Hound:

This character first presented itself in the year 1983. This hound was the first ever mascot for the NHL games. He was the mascot for two teams The Calgary Flames and the Calgary Stampeders.

4. Rocky the Cougar:

He is a sports mascot for the Denver Nuggets. He was first made in the year 1990 and this mountain lion became an instant hit with the game’s fan following. He has always been considered as a lucky symbol for the team. It is also said that the final outcome of any game is decided on the basis of his backwards half – court shot, depending on whether he makes it or misses it.

5. Mr. Met:

He was first introduced in the game of 1963. He is the official mascot of the MLB’s New York Mets. He is a humanoid with the head of a baseball. He wears the team’s uniform. He is also a member of the Mascot Hall of Fame. Mr.Met can also be seen before and after games when his fans can click pictures with him.

First came the invention of cars and then began car racing. The first cars were raced in Paris in 1887 and since then there has been no looking back. The races happened within cities and from one city to another. Only in the 1900s were the first racing circuits built. And then arrived the car racing championships, which are popular throughout the world. These championships are managed by varied organizations based in the countries where they operate. In the sports category, car racing has a major audience viewership. Today there are many types of car races which are undertaken like the Formula One races, touring car races, production car races, stock car racing, kart racing, etc. Given below is a list of top 10 car racing championships held across the globe:

1. FIA Formula One World Championship:

This is a car racing championship of the highest class. The best and the fastest cars from all over the world participate in this championship. The races are called Grands Prix, which are run on specially built circuits or on public roads. The reason it is called formula series is because there are certain rules set out for the racers and their cars. Only participants adhering to these rules are allowed to participate. It has a huge audience throughout the world. Because of its huge popularity, it also succeeds in getting huge sponsorships for the racing events.

2. FIA World Rally Championship:

This championship is a series of 2 to 4 days events. The tracks on which the racers drive are some of the toughest in the world. That is why this championship is considered to be a great challenge to the participants.

3. WTCC FIA World Touring Car Championship:

This is again an international car racing championship. The first championship race was held in the year 1987. It is promoted by Eurosport. This championship series is expanding very rapidly to cover many countries. It is also creating a game franchisee which will reach every nook and corner of the world and will broaden the number of target audience for the championship. The participation numbers, numbers of viewers and its popularity is on a growing spree. It is at the third place after the Formula One and the World Rally Championship.

4. American Championship Car Racing:

This is a national car racing event in the U.S. the cars raced are single seater and the racers are professionals in their fields. These have been similar to formula one cars and they are popularly known as Indycars. These cars are not as technology-driven as the F1 cars. But this is because there was a need to cut costs in order to increase participation. The Indianapolis 500 – mile race is one of the most important events of this national championship.

5. Le Mans Series:

This is an European sports car racing championship. It is managed by the Automobile Club de l’Quest. It was decided to keep the championship Europe based rather than international. This was done to attract many sportscar teams to the series. This championship has been expanding throughout Europe year – by – year.

A Goalkeeper occupies a seminal position in a football match. Well if we regard the significance of a Goalkeeper in terms of a football match, as an entity of sports, a Goalkeeper is the last limit of defense that a team can offer to the opponent team when it is striking a goal. The necessity and positioning of a goalkeeper evolved since the emergence of the basic rules of this foot game. The most spectacular dive of a goalkeeper is the extension dive where he pushes the ball off him launching his move at a horizontal position. Apart from the co-ordination of sight and dive and his communicative skill, the skill that would make him a distinguished player would be mastering the use of timings at angles. During the penalty kicks, the Goalkeeper is the only person upon who lays the entire responsibility of winning or losing a game.

There are several goalkeepers who had been the strongest pillar of their team and have proved to be of much capability playing a major role in the verdict of a football match.

The top ten goalkeepers of the last decade might be controversial, but an incomprehensive positioning may go as follows:

1. Julio Caesar de Espindola

He is a Brazilian footballer who is currently a player of Internationale of the Italian Serie A where he is appointed as a Goalkepper. In 2009 he was felicitated as the best goalkeeper by IFFHS and also as Serie A Goalkeeper of 2009. This prolific player started his career as an international footballer in 2003 and was included in 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup. He was often taken as a substitute of prolific, Dida.

2. Iker Casillas

He is a Spanish Goalkeeper who also plays for Real Madrid and Spanish La Liga. He led Spain to their first championship in 44 years, the European Championship. In 2010 too he did lead Spain to the FIFA World Cup. He is one of the best Goalkeepers of Europe who became the first capped Goalkeeper ever. In the UEFA Champions League.

3. Gianluigi Buffon

The Italian footballer is the hallmark of the Italian nation football team and also a player of the club Juventus of Serie A. He is considered to be a very successful yet a dominant Goalkeeper in the footballer’s circuit. He has a highest record of being called the Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year for eight times. He was named the Italian captain of football team for Euro 2008.

4. Edwin van der Sar

He is a Dutch footballer and also plays for the English club of Manchester United. Is has won the UEFA Champions League with different teams, with Ajax and Manchester United in 1995 and 2008 respectively. He has been titled the best European Goalkeeper in 1995.

5. Igor Akinfeev

He is a Russian footballer who played for CSKA Moscow, a Russian championship. He also established a favorable place in Euro 2008.

Rafting is a challenging adventure sport which is usually carried out in a fast flowing river. You have to make yourself sited on a raft, usually made of parachute cloth, and all you need to do is navigate the raft through the fast moving river water. The rafting can be very dangerous at times but then again it’s an adventure sport and is strictly meant for people who dare to ride on it. There are many places in the world where you can go for the river rafting. So, if you are an adventure sports lover these are the top ten places in the world to go on a river rafting:

1. Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers, Alaska/Canada

This is a merger of two famous rivers i.e. the Alsek River which originates in Kluane National Park, flowing from the highest mountains in Canada; and the Tatshenshini River which is yet another brilliant river which originates in the British Columbia, near the Haines Highway. This spot is one of the most popular spot for river rafting as the two river merge at Alaska and finally goes on to meet the Pacific. Rafting in the chilly fast flowing water of the rivers is an experience worth experiencing.

2. Middle Fork, Salmon River, Idaho

The Salmon River is located in Idaho which is towards the north west of United States. Middle fork is a section in the Salmon River which is probably the most challenging spot for rafting. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery and wild lives. Going to the Middle Fork and rafting in the mid of the Salmon River would be an exciting happening in the lives of the adventure sport lover. But there is a cap enforced if you want to ride on the middle fork during the peak season i.e. June 1 to September 10. There is a lottery system and you have to be really lucky to get a chance to float in there.

3. Magpie River, Canada

The Magpie River originates at Upper Magpie Lake, at an elevation of 1,378 ft and flows into Canada. This is a brilliant spot which will take you through the pine forest and is worth a trip. Rafting in the Magpie River would be nothing short then experiencing nature in its truest form. There are several trip organizers who has trip packages for the Magpie River Rafting. You can choose at your convenience about the package which would generally include a minimum of 8 days among the waters and the forests.

4. Futaleufu River, Chile

The Futaleufu River is a combination of lakes in the Chubut Province in Argentina which crosses the Andes Mountains and then flows into Chile. It is an excellent place for rafting and is really an immense excitement. The water flows at a tremendous speed and is just the perfect place for you to go on a rafting. There are various package trips on the Futaleufu River which will include kayaking as well. The Futaleufu river rafting offers you a variety of rafting experience. For the beginners in rafting stretches would be most suitable. However, there are also Class V rapids that would challenge even the most expert Rafter.

5. Rio Upano, Ecuador

The Rio Upano is a mesmerising spot in midst of the rain forest of Ecuador. The word Rio Upano means the “River of Sacred Waterfalls” which flows at a great speed and takes the form of an exceptional river for rafting. It is a brilliant spot for enjoying the beauty of nature. Along with the free river rafting you can also enjoy a lot of waterfalls which surrounds the basin.