With respect to this thread, and also the 'accident' thread which has also carried the torch for the sailboard/kiteboard Olympic discussion:

Politics, safety and national interests aside, it appears to me kiteboarding has a more widepread, popular and competitive future than sailboarding, so it's not crazy to bring it onboard. That said, a case can be made for keeping sailboarding as well, but compromises have to be made regarding the number of events in the Olympics. I understand both perspectives.

Regarding safety concerns, kiteboarding is a sport that can be very dangerous or reasonably safe, depending on training and procedures. The same can be said for many other sports, including many in the Olympics, from snowboarding to biathalon. I don't think any sport should have to be idiot proof as an Olympic prerequisite.

Cheers,
James

JS: agree 100% there are degrees and perspectives I can sympathize with them all.



...it should be almost the opposite.