During the 2025 Red Bull Rampage, I sat in front of the screen, mesmerized by what these riders were capable of on their bikes. Then Adolf Silva took a hard fall, and my excitement turned to anxious hope that this accident might somehow have ended without serious consequences.

In the days that followed, it became clear just how serious his injury was. Silva had suffered a severe spinal cord injury and had to adjust to a life with paraplegia and a wheelchair. I had watched live as a person sustained a life-threatening and life-altering injury, when I had actually intended to spend an entertaining evening.

Of course, I already knew beforehand that there’s an enormous amount at stake at the Rampage. Still, it’s one thing to be generally aware of that risk and quite another to watch a crash change a rider’s life from one second to the next. Since then, I’ve seen this event in a whole new light.

What Happened After the Crash

Afterward, I followed Silva’s YouTube series “Still Loco” and watched as he battled through rehabilitation, made progress, and reorganized his daily life. His optimism, perseverance, and fighting spirit impressed me, as did the openness with which he shares the changes in his life.

I was particularly moved by how he’s regaining his independence and continues to decide for himself what he wants to do with his life. Things that used to be taken for granted now require practice, patience, or support, while at the same time he’s setting new goals and finding ways to stay active. Silva impressively demonstrates that his life still includes joy, sports, and new horizons. The way he’s handling his injury deserves great respect, though for me, it doesn’t take away from the horror of the accident.

He has made me think a lot about how precious health is and how easily we take a functioning body for granted. His story shows both how quickly a life can change and how much strength a person can muster to carry on under completely different circumstances.

Too Much Risk for the Show

The riding skill on display at the Rampage continues to fascinate me, and I know how much work and preparation goes into these runs. Still, I’ve come to find it hard to be entertained by a show where a single mistake can change a rider’s life forever.

We sit comfortably in front of the screen, cheering for successful tricks and holding our breath when there’s a crash. When the broadcast is over, we go about our daily lives, while a seriously injured rider may have to cope with the consequences for the rest of his life. This disconnect between our entertainment and the actual cost of a failed run troubles me.

The athletes decide for themselves what risks to take, and I respect their freedom to do so. I can admire their skill and still come to the conclusion that I no longer want to watch them do it. As a spectator, I can hardly judge how a rider assesses his risk or why he chooses a particular run. What I can judge is my own reaction to it, and that has changed since Silva’s crash.

I’ll gladly follow his progress because I’m interested in how he’s doing and what progress he’s making. At the next Rampage, however, I’d probably think about what I saw last year every time he attempts a daring jump. I’ve lost my excitement for this show.