Annotation-Weight lifting injuries to the back in adolescents

'm not going to pretend that I don't get excited over a British triumph-of course I do, but I don't imagine that the end of the world is in sight because we didn't reach the final of the Europa Cup last year. One of the things that most distrubs me is the ever-increasing number of international competitors. In my opinion in athletics there are far too many. The expense of taking teams abroad is crippling even with 50% Govt. help with fares. I have touched on a number of aspects of international sport. I am conscious of just touching the surface of many and of omitting any reference to others. Perhaps you will kindly remedy this by a discussion which I hope will follow. a former Weight Lifting coach, drew our attention to the possible dangers to the vertebral column of the "Press", especially when used by adolescents, either in competitive weight lifting, or even in heavy weight training. Although we recognise the dangers of hyperflexion at any age, perhaps insufficient attention has been paid to injuries brought about by repeated hyperextension, such as is necessary in "pressing" a weight in the Olympic classical "Standing Press". It is difficult for one coach, or even one orthopaedic clinic, to gather enough carefully recorded case histories to be of statistical significance, but we would be grateful to B.A. S.M. members who can give us clinical details of any cases they have in their clinics or clubs, in which spinal injury has occurred that might be attributable to "pressing" weights in training or in competition. We would also be grateful fQr details of any competitions in weight lifting held for competitors under the age of 18. The loan of any good radiographs of the articular facets injured by this exercise would also be appreciated. Would members please communicate with Mr.Mason direct, at the address given, or send information to the Editor of the Bulletin of B.