Awful, awful story. Shannon Bloomfield, a 12-year-old with aspirations to compete in the 2012 Olympics, died in a horse-riding accident in the UK yesterday.
From the Telegraph:
Bloomfield was described as "sports-mad" by her parents. The youngster competed in tetrathlons, an event which combines running, shooting, horse-riding and swimming.Shannon Bloomfield, 12, was taking part in an indoor jumping event when her mount fell on top of her.
She had almost completed the course when her horse, Poppy, failed to negotiate the penultimate fence.
It fell awkwardly, trapping the young rider, as horrified spectators looked on. Shannon was pronounced dead at hospital.
This horrific accident will undoubtedly stir up arguments over children and their role in competitive, high-risk sports. Feel free to sound off with your take, below.
Sorry, No Photos
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 13)
2-01-2008 @ 9:18PM
Musa said...
No 12 yr.old should be concerned with competing in the Olympics. That is too much pressure. Kids should play for the sake of playing. It is really unfotunate that many parents live and derive their self worth through the accomplishments of their children.
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:05PM
matt said...
i realy hope that people dont get on a band stand about this saying that a child this young shouldnt feel that they need to play sports and be good or put down a child that died for something that they seemed to love to do
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:06PM
Mary said...
My 7 year old son has friends who race motorcycles, I cannot understand how anyone can let their child do something so dangerous. Sure, it's fun, but you have to be prepared for the worst to happen, and I cannot take that chance with my child's life. I thought it was fun to walk on the railroad tracks when I was a kid, but my mom never allowed it! I would have thought horses were a safe choice, but I've known 4 children killed by their horses, and I am not that old. A sad loss.
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:06PM
diannamichaelson said...
My heart goes out to Shannon's family. I cannot fathom the pain that they are feeling right now. My thought and prayers are with you!
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:08PM
Josh said...
Says the parent of a talentless child.
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:10PM
Sarah said...
i see kids form 5 to 18 swimming every day on a competitive swim team....practice for 2 hours (with intense work outs) then some even are on another swim team and practice for another 2-3 hours! Ive seen 7 year olds with abs like Michael Phelps.....a lot of times these kids grow tired of the sport...around sophmore in college, or during high school....the sport is intensive...and quite expensive....I believe parents should let a child do what ever he or she wishes....and if the child wants to ride a horse...then ride a horse...if the child wants to act...let them.....all in all let your children be well rounded...and if they are truly brilliant in something, and they love it....they will find a way to do it.
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:15PM
Tracy said...
It is tragic what happened to this young hopeful. She was doing something she loved. Life is full of risks if you choose to live. I would choose to live!This is just proving how short life is. So be sure to take the time for your family and friends. Let them know what they mean to you, be sure to say you love them, your proud of them. Whatever it is you need to. No regrets would be nice to have, and peace of mind that they knew how you felt. This sounds so simple, and really it is. Although too many of us let the dumb stuff get in the way. My prayers go out to this family at this time. I guess God needed another Angel. Good can come from bad we just have to be open to it.
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:14PM
Carol Fish said...
My prayers go out to the family of Shannon. Please don't make them feel any blame for what the child loved to do. They supported her and she apparantly was good at what she did. She was young but look at what she accomplished. How proud they must be of her.
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:17PM
Wilson said...
To young for such a dangerous sport. Parents should know better than to risk their childs life on such a dangerous sport.
Reply
2-08-2008 @ 8:07AM
bart76bythebook said...
Children should not be held back just because they are children... if there are no safety concerns... riding horses is dangerous so is walking down the street. Christopher Reeves a strong healthy man was injured riding horses and many many more are injured we can't just bubble wrap our children. Even when they die you don't lose your children you appreciate the time you had. - Some people have a competitve drive or just enjoy competing just because you don't understand it you want to stop them? shame on you... 7yo is old enough to compete in the olympics if you have the skill - Got skill?
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:21PM
natalie said...
"It is better to die on your feet than live on your knees"
Reply
2-03-2008 @ 7:26PM
Nicole said...
My prayers are with her parents. It is important to remember that everyone has a talent... even you... what did you do as a child? It would have been horible if you were not allowed to - simply because your parents only thought about the "what if?" I could never dream of telling my 12 year old daughter that she can't swim anymore because she could slip on the pool deck and get paralyzed. We need to all enjoy our lives - and being active feels great - puts you on top of the world.
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:23PM
mike said...
I have always felt there should be a minimum age, and yeah.. like 18 to compete in professional sports. i have turned off most olympic competitions over the past years because it is just a bunch of 12-15 yr olds... and what happens AFTER they win? there is nowhere to go... no mountain to climb... ask aksana bayul....
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:25PM
mike said...
oh..... AND.... i have been thrown from my horses... and damn near killed.... life is either a daring adventure or nothing.... sorry for the family of the little girl.... my condolences for their loss.
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:29PM
KCYouShowGirl said...
i am a 14 year old girl that has been riding horses since i was 2. yes, it is a very dangeous sport, but when u get on you know what you are putting at risk. ive seen many people break legs and arms and necks and backs. ive seen horses die and have seasures just walking around. you never know what can happen so it better just to do what you love and livewith the consiquences.
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:31PM
Concerned said...
How many children are killed in major sporting events
compared to guns, drugs etc on the street. Here go the bleeding hearts again. Can the press just leave these things alone. Accidents happen.Children are killed every day on our streets as well as in the war. Pick your battlefields.
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:32PM
ANDI said...
So if my child got hit crossing the road, it would be my fault because I let her cross the road? I don't understand people who put the blame on other people...it is called an accident. She could of been riding her bicycle (with a helmet on of course) in her driveway and have an accident because she fell and hit her head, and the helmet cracked. Would you say oh no you are a bad parent because you let the child go outside and ride her bicycle!! We can protect our children to a point but c'mon think about what you say, I am sure she has rode horses all her life it was a freak accident.
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:32PM
foxwise said...
if someone is interested in horses the are outomatically interested in riding horses, and enter competitions, regardless at what age, she enjoyed what she did, this was an unfortunate accident could had happen to any rider,
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:32PM
karen said...
it is a tragedy whenever a child dies but atleast she was doing what she enjoyed. just this week a 7 year died here crossing the street for the school bus. death happens enjoy what life is given to you
Reply
2-02-2008 @ 2:35PM
Pam said...
I am sure that the parents of this child is devastated beyond their own mind. Right now their world is torn apart by this death. We as parents ask ourselves, do I-or don't I?? No one knows the future but God. No one has the right to judge another person. This is something that this child loved to do. It was her dream not ours. We must remember that our children could walk out side and be killed by anything. The parents of this child loved her enough to let her do what she loved and fulfill her dream. What better way to meet God than to be doing something you loved and was your dream!!! We live day by day. This child was heathy enough to enjoy her life and her horse. May she be with Jesus now. May her family be Blessed by the Lord and peace to come in on this death. May the parents feel peace beyond all understanding. People don't know everything, but God does. God help us all.
Reply