Amputee Allowed In The Olympics

By Michael Todd
17:07, May 16th 2008
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Amputee Allowed In The Olympics

After January’s decision by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) not to allow double amputee Oscar Pistorius to try to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, the athlete’s appeal was successful and he can now compete.

The IAAF initially considered that the carbon-fibre blades attached to both his legs were energy efficient and offered Pistorius a significant advantage. Several studies were conducted by German professor Gert-Peter Brueggemann, and the federation’s decision was based on his conclusions.

Pistorius lost both his legs when he was a baby and is curently known by the nickname Blade Runner. For several years he has been using a set of shock-absorbing carbon-fiber prosthetics which look very much like a pair of bent skis.

The 21-year-old South African athelete appeared very happy with the result and claimed that the truth is finally out and he will surely chase his dream of participating in the Olympics. The only problem now is if he will manage to get ready in time for this year’s event or if he’ll have to wait until 2012.

Oscar Pistorius won a gold medal in the 200 meters race and another bronze medal in the 100 meters race at the 2004 Athens Paralympics and has also competed in Rome and Sheffield in two able-bodied 400 meter races. He holds the Paralympic world records in the 100, 200, and 400 meters.



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