Double-Amputee Sprinter Barred from Olympics
by Allie Comeau on January 15, 2008 
2 comments
The International Association of Athletic Federations has ruled that double-amputee sprinter, Oscar Pistarius, will not be allowed to compete in this summer’s Olympic games in Beijing because his prosthetics give him an unfair advantage.
The ruling comes after scientific studies determined that Pistarius’ Cheetah prosthetics are “technical aids” that give him a clear advantage in a race. According to the science, the prosthetics enable him to run at the same speed as an able-bodied runner, but expend a quarter less energy.
The professor determined that the returned energy from the prosthetic blade is “close to three times higher than with the human ankle joint in maximum sprinting.” The IAAF adopted a rule last summer prohibiting “technical aids” deemed to give an athlete an advantage.
Pistarius had his lower legs amputated when he was 11 months old after being born without fibulas. According to this Sports Illustrated article, he has never used the fact that he is an amputee to his advantage, refusing even to park his car in handicapped spaces.
Personally, I can’t imagine losing one’s legs and using prosthetics could be an unfair advantage in any situation. I think he should be allowed to compete.
What do you think? Unfair advantage or unfair ruling?
January 16th, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
I agree with the association in this case. It is true that his prosthetics provide him with advantages the other racers wouldnt have. This completely isn’t his fault…I do think he would be able to run in the special olympics.
However…with his great mindset (not parking in handicapped and believing he ISN’T handicapped), the special olympics may not be something he is truly interested in or may not be something he believes in.
Either way… he may think of his situation as “At least I can run and will continue to run” instead of “the USA is hindering my abilities to compete”.
January 18th, 2008 @ 8:13 am
Thanks for your comment!
Part of me wants to see him compete because I feel he deserves it. I just can’t imagine how having prosthetics would make it easier to race. But I’m no scientist and if it’s an unfair advantage, then it’s an unfair advantage.
Either way, I wish Oscar the best in his appeal (if he chooses to go that route) and running career.