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 Athlete's death exposes student-athlete vulnerability - Oct 31, 2008 | 14:16:38
posted by: Ryan Powell
Ryan Shay stood at the starting line last November in New York City, 26.5 miles away from accomplishing his life-long goal - becoming an Olympian. Just five and half miles into his U.S. Olympic marathon time trial, however, Shay collapsed and died of sudden cardiac arrest. He was 28 years old. Shay, a nine-time All-American from Notre Dame, five-time national champion, and the 2003 U.S. marathon champion was expected to compete for a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team heading to Beijing. According to USA Today, Shay was diagnosed with an enlarged heart at age 14, but was allowed to continue running. This spring, "Ryan and other top athletes underwent medical testing in Flagstaff, Ariz., where he trained, and he was cleared for running." While the tests performed on Shay were not sufficient to prevent his death, unlike many student-athletes, Shay was aware of his condition. Shay's tragedy reminds us of the importance of proper testing on athletes' hearts--tests which are often not performed on college-age student-athletes. "The screening includes 12 questions about personal and family medical history and a physical examination to uncover aspects of a potential athlete's health that could signal a cardiovascular problem." Dr. Barry J. Maron, author of the AMA report said, "Although the frequency of [sudden cardiac deaths] in young athletes appears to be relatively low, it is more common than previously thought and does represent a substantive public health problem." Health screenings are an effective way to alert athletes to potentially fatal heart problems before they compete, yet few athletics programs pay for echocardiograms, which would help identify many heart defects. The University of Tennessee, which we've discussed in detail on the Double-A Zone is an exception to this rule and two athletes likely owe their lives to the school's use of echocardiograms. Shay's death is a solemn reminder that being an athlete does not always mean pristine health. One year after his death, Shay's former Notre Dame cross country teammates, friends and family will gather in New York City to celebrate his life. The group, "Team Shay" will run the New York City marathon in his honor. Sean McManus, a former Notre Dame cross-country teammate of Shay's told the New York Times, "The idea was to finish the race that he never got a chance to -- probably the only race he never finished." Ryan and Alicia Shay, a two-time NCAA champion in the 10,000 meter, were married four months before his death. She won't be running Sunday, but will be there to cheer on the team. Mary Wittenberg, a former runner for Notre Dame, and the chief executive of the New York Road Runners, helped organize the event. She told the New York Times, "The moment Ryan fell, to that weekend of the funeral, we've had a real desire to shift into a celebration of Ryan's life. For Alicia and the family and the industry, what better way to celebrate his life than to have others run in his honor?" Should student-athletes be required to undergo an echocardiogram before competing at the college level? 
CommentsThis is exactly what I want to read on double-a-zone Great Story! It's sad, these tragedies are a common occurrance that most of which could be avoided. There should be a in depth physical examination, tests should include MRI, CT scans, blood tests, echocardiograms just to name a few. Most if not all of these expenses can be taken care of through insurance. Other solutions can be developed to help cut costs but retain the sames level of safety. Yes, I beleive that student-athletes should undergo an echocardiogram before competing at the college level. I feel that it is more important for an athelte that is involved with track and filed, cross country, or another other sport that involves alot of fitness and strong cardiovascular health to be required to take the test. By taking the test it ensures both you and your family and the university that you are healthy enough to participate in any activities. By having this test mandatory this could save the live of student athletes that are not aware of any conditions that they might have. It's always better to be safe then sorry and by taking a simple echocardiogram which could save your life shouldn't be a problem for anyone. I think that is a personal choice for the athlete to make. If they feel they don't need one then they shouldn't have to have one done. I believe this is a touching story. No one thinks that this can happen to world class athletes. I believe that student-athletes should be required to undergo an echocardiogram before competing to prevent more fatalities like this. The colleges should pay for these tests because the saftey and health of student-athletes is top priority. Should student-athletes be required to undergo an echocardiogram before competing at the college level? This is quite a touchy question. From the standpoint of any university it would be wise to attempt to have this type of test and others mandated before allowing athletes to make use of training facilities and programs. There is great risk involved in all sport, not just contact sport. Today’s sports are so demanding of athletes that some may push themselves beyond their capable limits at great costs. This may sound soulless but universities have many liabilities and risk considerations involving athletes. Though the loss of an athlete’s life is tragic that loss effects more than just the athlete’s survivors. The loss amplifies throughout the often close-knit community of a university causing disruptions to social interaction, academic progress, and general well-being of other students. The university has an obligation to protect all of it’s members from undue disruption. If a simple test can prevent such trauma to the community then it should be mandated that any athlete wishing to compete must be properly tested. This not only helps the community but may act to save an athlete’s health and even their life.
I do believe that student-athletes should be required to undergo an echocardiogram. It seems that every year, you hear of an athlete or athletes dying from circumstances that might have preventable. Whether it be from an enlarged heart, or over heating during a summer camp. All athletes should have to complete a full physical, which checks them for any type of abnormality within their bodies. This might cost the school a little more, but how can you put a price on a persons life. YES. We should be screening these young athletes. Just like we invest in there education, invest in there health and make sure these kids a healthly enough to particpate. A wonderfully insightful piece on a tragedy. It opens up a discussion that we can no longer overlook. Post a Comment |
  
Congratulations to all of the fall national champions! Most of you don't get the publicity you deserve, although you each have accomplished great things.
- john
   
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