Prosthetic-limbed runner disqualified from Olympics

SUBMAN1 · 01-17-08, 10:46 AM

I thought I'd never see the day that I read something like this!!!

-S

Quote:

Oscar Pistorius, a double-amputee sprinter, has been denied a shot at the Olympics... for being too fast. The runner -- who uses carbon-fiber, prosthetic feet -- was reviewed by the International Association of Athletics Federations (or IAAF), a review which found the combination of man and machine to be too much for its purely human competitors. According to the IAAF report, the "mechanical advantage of the blade in relation to the healthy ankle joint of an able bodied athlete is higher than 30-percent." Additionally, Pistorius uses 25-percent less energy than average runners due to the artificial limbs, therefore giving him an unfair advantage on the track... or so they say. Oscar is expected to appeal the decision, saying a lack of variables explored by the single scientific study calls for deeper investigation into the matter. Our suggestion? Prosthetic legs for all!

Full story here - http://www.iaaf.org/news/kind=512/ne...cal+advantages

Prof · 01-17-08, 10:58 AM

The odd thing is, he's actually slower than able-bodied athletes if his PBs are anything to go by.

I completely agree with this decision - he should remain in the Paralympics. Having said that, maybe the IAAF should let him in and allow him to humiliate himself by not qualifying. That would end the controversy.

Skybird · 01-17-08, 11:04 AM

I also agree with that decision.

01-17-08, 11:04 AM	#3
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,602 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	I also agree with that decision. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

01-17-08, 10:58 AM	#2
Prof Medic Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cambridge, UK Posts: 167 Downloads: 2 Uploads: 0	The odd thing is, he's actually slower than able-bodied athletes if his PBs are anything to go by. I completely agree with this decision - he should remain in the Paralympics. Having said that, maybe the IAAF should let him in and allow him to humiliate himself by not qualifying. That would end the controversy.