in germany, there was a contestant on the show "wetten dass" (translated as 'bet that') a few years ago. in the show, statements about crazy talents and activities were presented by the participants. The contestants bet on things they could do and get a prize if they could actually perform the self-proclaimed tasks/talents. One participant bet that he would be able to jump over moving cars. It went wrong and he was left a paraplegic. He has since largely recovered (psychological, not physical) and is handling it great as far as the public is concerned, but the situation will probably always stick in my mind.