I constantly hear stories about athletes from every level who have pushed their bodies to its breaking point. They say, “don’t worry coach, I’m fine,” but that is just their cover.

Nowadays, you are expected to participate in everything, even if it is a major risk you are taking for your health. The intensity at which athletes push themselves everyday is dangerous. There are people showing up to their practices with concussions, strained or pulled muscles, and sometimes broken bones. However, they play because they don’t want to disappoint their coaches or their teammates.

Athletes constantly feel the need to keep pushing through when they know they should stop. Every time they tell their coaches they cannot play, they are risking their future playing time. Your very own teammates may take advantage of your absence and try to replace you. No athlete wants to be replaced, so they push through in any condition.

Athletes don’t have to continue being the victim. If they were to realize the damage that pushing through is costing them, then maybe they would stop. Keeping injuries hidden is hurting athletes more than they may think. Without someone there to tell them what they are doing wrong, they will continue to push, and push, and push.

This needs to be brought into consideration for two reasons: the health and well being of our athletes needs to be restored, and the health and well being of the team will be strengthened if each athlete is at their peak condition.

This is an issue that should be addressed everywhere. Not only at high school and college levels, but also pro levels. We are causing a greater set back for the athletes than a boost.