Have you heard of Oscar Pistorius? He was born without fibula bones which led the doctors to amputate both of his legs below his knees. He became a runner using “cheetahs,” a type of prosthetic leg. Competing in the paralympics, he has dominated. He is so fast, he could potentially qualify for the Olympics and compete against able-bodied athletes.
The Olympics have banned him from competition claiming his prosthetic legs are really technical aids which have made him faster.
Debbie and I have gone back and forth on this. She feels he should be allowed to participate. I keep changing my mind back and forth. It is almost hilarious that this would even be a debate! A man who is missing both legs below the knees is considered to have an unfair advantage over those who are healthy!
At the same time, there are certain advantages these prosthetic legs give him. In the near future, technology could very easily propel disabled people beyond the capacities of the able-bodied. They also give him disadvantages (traction, coming off the blocks, lateral movement, etc.).
Should he be allowed to participate?
this is just amazing. i’m not sure if they should let him participate or not. i don’t know enough details. either way, it’s still amazing! kudos to that guy for being able to live his dream in light of his challenges. very inspiring!
I can understand the desire to compete in the Olympics, but he would be at an advantage or disadvantage in comparison to the others competing. With more and more of this coming up, it might be more feasible for the OIC to consider adding categories of competing for people like Pistorius. Medical technology is more and more allowing for more people to overcome their challenges allowing them to do more. I don’t think there is an easy answer. Right now, I don’t think it would be fair for him to compete officially. Maybe unofficially??? It’s not fair all around, but…