Photos below from Evel Knievel's website.
Evel Knievel was already an established legend when I was growing up. My mom is probably happy I didn't follow in his footsteps. In his career he suffered more than 433 broken bones so perhaps there are some medical professionals wishing I had.
This quote from his website kind of grabbed me "Evel Knievel made the leap from rural county fairs to sold-out stadiums through a unique combination of bravado, determination, and promotional genius."
Why you may ask? Well I was at a rural county fair yesterday and their was a group of motorcycle jumpers who were one of the fair's sideshows.
Times of course have changed since Evel Knievel was doing stunts. It has changed so much since he passed away in 2007. To me growing up in the 70s and 80s and I am sure to those who grew up slightly earlier he defined daredevil to us.(It is debatable if I have or will ever grow up.)
I wonder if he would be a star today? Would d he even make it on television? Would he just be a youtube hit maker? Is there a place left for daredevils?
Last year when I participated in the challenge I chose to post about excitement. You can revisit that post here. I stated excitement was a need and for people like Evel Knievel I am sure it was. He also provided a service to people by showing the impossible could happen if you try. The 433 broken bones showed he had his share of failures but in the end he is remembered as a hero by many.
Today it has become a popular passtime for young lads on tiny motorcycles. I watched a great team of sub-teens just the other day. I guess it was the Evil genius that started the craze.
ReplyDeleteI watched many times, wondering what makes him tick?
ReplyDeleteI think he would be just as big because he didn't do silly stupid things in the backyard..he did silly stupid thing to a great effect! He broked so many bones but he loved what he did. I remember him well
ReplyDeleteExcellent choice for E! I still think he was crazy for attempting those stunts.
ReplyDelete-Chrys Fey
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Yeah, it would be different today. We don't seem to go to stadiums to see such stunts. But a good YouTube channel can be a good living for some.
ReplyDeleteLiz A. from Laws of Gravity
I remember Evel Knievel! His stunts were nothing I'd ever think of attempting. But he had folks from 6 to 60 watching, cheering, groaning, shaking their heads.
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We always tuned in to watch Evil jump. It was fascinating. I wonder why some people are born with that need to risk greatly?
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My brother liked Evel Knievel when we were kids. Even I was lured into watching some of his stunts. They were so outrageous.
ReplyDeleteAlways remembered Evel Knievel, closest I got was a just a tiny jump on my motorcycle, made me far too nervous!
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