Webster’s Dictionary defines stupidity as the quality or state of being stupid. Throughout human history, many have attempted to delineate their own definition into the record books. Eve defined stupidity by eating an apple. Napoleon defined stupidity by invading Russia. Now a new breed of athletes has come to add their own names to a long list of bad decisions by playing sports that have less than satisfactory rates of mortality. Here are just a few highlights.

Street Luging 

We’ve all sat on our skateboards and zoomed down a neighborhood hill. This is different. Exceeding speeds of 60 mph at about an inch above the ground — one mistake is enough to send you to vegetable land. Is it worth it? These competitors seem to think so. They risk it all on a regular basis for the glory and recognition of being named a world renowned street luger.
 
Skydiving

I do not really understand what could be so dangerous about jumping out of a plane 4,000 feet above the ground with only a thin piece of nylon between a safe landing and the realm of Hades. Wait, that does sound pretty dangerous. About 30 people each year meet their doom via skydiving and many more are injured.  All I can say is that the first person that decided to jump out of a plane had balls, major balls.
 
Fishing

Not only one of the world’s most boring sports but quite possibly the deadliest, fishing has claimed the life of many a seamen. In 2003 alone, 187 people died in the pursuit of the perfect catch. Moby Dick and the Kraken can take credit for only a small fraction of these tragedies — the cause of the majority? Stupidity. According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, alcohol is the reason behind 31 percent of all boating fatalities. We can only imagine how much it plays a part in other boating accidents. Getting drunk and heading out fishing may sound fun, but we must remember all those poor souls who now reside in the domain of Poseidon, wishing they hadn’t hit the forty before casting the line.