Unfair advantage?
I just saw this post on someone’s blog. This guy has raised all kinds of controversy about amputee running. He has broken all kinds of records and has actually qualified to run in the regular Olympics. Ever since he has achieved his qualifying time, the Olympic Committee has been trying to decide if he has an unfair advantage. Yes, that’s right–ADVANTAGE! So much for the disadvantage of not having two feet! What do you think? Should this guy be allowed to compete in the regular Olympic games with the rest of the able bodied athletes?
“A double amputee will not participate in the Olympics qualifiers. Track and field’s governing body has decided Oscar Pistorius’ prosthetic legs ’should be considered as technical aids which give him an advantage over other athletes not using them.’
The South African athlete will appeal the decision. Pistorius, 21, was born without fibula bones and had his legs amputated below the knew before he was 1-year old.
The International Association of Athletics Federations initially approved Pistorius’ eligibility pending research on his prosthetics. Scientists determined the J-blades are more efficient than a human ankle and actually return energy in maximum speed sprinting. It’s unlikely Pistorius will participate in Beijing; however, he’s hoping to clear up eligibility by 2012 for the Olympics in London.”
Hhhmm. . I just saw this on the TODAY show this morning and was going to call you, but of course you already knew about it
. Jan
this is similar the the casey martin situation from a few years ago on the pga. even though it sounds cruel and heartless, i can understand not allowing him in. on the other hand, if everyone else is juicing just let the man run. watching a man with no legs outrun some punk on steroids would make a lot better tv than gymnastics, rythmic gymnastics, swimming, synchronized swimming, endless john tesh voiced tear-jerking personal profiles, and the just-for-fun gymnastics exhibition because the real gymnastics are all over and the closing ceremony isn’t for another two days and everyong loves gymnastics.
Wow, Jason! That pretty funny! I didn’t know you were such a gymnastics fan!
Is Casey Martin an amputee? I can’t remember the deal with him.
From a scientific standpoint, I can see why they’re hesitant. There would always need to be an asterisk by his name — all factors were decidedly not held constant.
On the other hand, they’ve got to feel just a little ridiculous for even suggesting the man has an advantage.
And, since Jason is so into gymnastics up there, here’s something for ya! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7tcPR1eWIQ&rel=1
Totally agree with Jason’s rant – but on the topic…
While folks are willing to mess up their bodies with drugs to increase performance, I don’t know how many people would willingly sacrifice their legs for a chance at a gold medal. He’s obviously an incredible athlete to accomplish what he has. If you could ensure he wasn’t using some super-duper bionic enhancement prosthetic, why not let him in… (we’ve already let all the pro athletes in and anything else that once maintained the meaning and dignity of the Games to be sold off)
Lynette, the you tube video is perfect! Maybe Jason will have a greater respect for gymnastics!
it is not that i don’t respect gymnasts–they are phenominal athletes. i don’t watch gymnastics for two reasons. one, even though it involves athletic ability, i have a hard time considering any activity a sport when the winner is determined soley by a judges opinion. (yes, i know all sports have officials that can affect the outcome of a game) second, i don’t like the way gymnastics are presented on tv. i think the people at nbc sports decided that the olympics are the one time when women will watch sports on tv and have tailored their coverage accordingly. the average american male will watch anything on tv if it involves reasonably fit women wearing anything resembling a bathing suite–witch leaves us with lots of gymnastics, swimming, and, in the winter, figure skating. all the men have to do is ignore the wight tights, speedos, and frilly sequined jumpsuits on the male contestants.
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Double Amputee, Oscar Pistorius, Allowed to Compete in Olympics! « Running the Race said this on May 16, 2008 at 11:50 am |
Hey Jason,
Stumbled on this somehow… Here is my take:
http://meyrickjones.blogspot.com/2008/05/what-do-you-think-about-that-south.html
Cheers,
Meyrick