Athlete News

In America, millions gather around the television to watch empty balloons sail through the skies. In the Netherlands, however, there is a different controversy that is causing waves.

According to the Associated Press, a Dutch court recently ruled that 14-year-old Laura Dekker was still too inexperienced to be allowed to set off on her quest to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. In August, a 17-year-old British male accomplished the feat, only to be outdone by a 16-year-old Australian female in October.

The courts are so concerned about Dekker that they placed her under the guardianship of child protection authorities until next July to ensure that she cannot set off on any fantastic voyages. Dekker's parents, both veteran sailors, are in disagreement about the idea. Dekker's father supported his daughter's aspirations but her mother believes her daughter is still too young. The girl's lawyer, Peter de Lange, noted that she could potentially set sail next year and still break the record.

"But the record is not her primary goal," de Lange told the Associated Press. "Laura just wants to sail."

I see a different sort of expedition in line for balloon boy in the near future. Can you say "sailing balloon boy: an American icon?"

Speaking of icons, let's talk about the Olympic Games. Now, the games that won't be held in Chicago in 2016, but the 2010 Winter Games that will be held in Vancouver. It seems there is already a doping scandal and the festivities have yet to begin.

According to deadspin.com, Greek hurdler, Fani Halkia was banned by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) for two years after testing positive for illegal substances at the Beijing Games. However, that didn't stop the Greek Olympic Committee from keeping the torch from her as the relay passed through Greece. Needless to say, The IOC was not happy when they heard the news.

One young athlete, hopefully not taking steroids, is this week's inaugural "hero of the week." Jordan Ikner, a 6-4, 255-pound football kicker from Bessemer Academy High School in Birmingham, AL, caused a jolt that most kickers could only dream of doing. According to the Birmingham News, with 8:14 left in the first quarter, Ikner kicked the game-winning extra point that is sending his team to state, while the opposing team's season is done.

The reason the game ended after less than four minutes of play is because Ikner's extra point managed to hit a transformer, consequently causing a power outage in the stadium. The kick heard around the city even managed to knock out the traffic lights near the school.

The best part of the story is this isn't the first time an incident like this has occurred at that stadium this year. Only in Alabama!