UNIT 7: SPORTS
My name‿ is Vera. I have completed nine skydives,│ and‿ I have‿ observed that those│ who have never‿ attempted‿ it divide‿ into those│ who deem‿ it‿ irrational‿ an(d) those│ who assume‿ it to be mere thrill-seeking.
Neither description survives contac(t) with the sport,│ which‿ is heavily regulated rather than‿ anarchic. Equipmen(t) standards‿ are stringent,│ a parachute‿ is packed by a certified professional,│ an(d) one may not jump without certification. Risk tolerance‿ is‿ a personal variable,│ an(d) what changes with‿ experience‿ is preparation rather than fatalism. The research‿ on risk compensation‿ is‿ instructive:│ where safety improves,│ certain participants simply accep(t) greater risk,│ which‿ implies that the culture‿ of‿ a spor(t) matters‿ as much‿ as‿ its‿ equipment.
I no longer jump for the adrenaline. What draws me back‿ is the psychological benefit‿ of remaining calm│ while something‿ alarming‿ is‿ occurring,│ a transferable skill rather than‿ a diversion. Since‿ I began,│ difficulties‿ at work have ceased to intimidate me,│ an(d) my mother's‿ anxiety is managed by candour rather than concealment. The consequence‿ of recklessness‿ is real│ and‿ I do not pretend‿ otherwise,│ but the challenge‿ is the point‿ an(d) the danger‿ is‿ incidental. Anybody incapable‿ of distinguishing between those two propositions should begin with‿ a course rather than‿ a jump.