Is this an advantage or not?

Von Tonner · 05-17-08, 04:44 AM

Firstly, let me say from the outset I am in awe of this guys determination, courage, and tenacity - but in the arena in which he wants to compete is it fair to his fellow competitors. I must admit I am not convinced it is fair. Why I say this is largely due to the courts reasons.

"In overturning a ban imposed by the International Association of Athletics Federations, track and field’s governing body, the court deemed that there was not enough evidence to prove that Pistorius’s flexible j-shaped blades, attached below his knees, gave him an advantage."

Well, how much evidence is required? If 'advantage' is measured, is a 20% advantage permissable but 21% and above not?

Tests done last November found their was an advantage.

"The I.A.A.F. sponsored three days of testing on Pistorius, who gave his consent, in Cologne, Germany, under the supervision of Peter Brüggemann, a professor at the German Sport University.
Brüggemann found that the Cheetah prosthetics were more efficient than a human ankle. He also found that they could return energy in maximum speed sprinting and that Pistorius was able to keep up with a few able-bodied sprinters while expending about 25 percent less energy."

But.

"Pistorius’s lawyers, however, argued that the results of the study did not provide enough evidence to make a decision, and they lodged an appeal in February. Jeffrey Kessler, a lawyer with the New York-based firm Dewey & LeBoeuf, who agreed to take the case on a pro bono basis, led Pistorius’s defense."

Again, quantify what is "enough"

From purely a laymans' perspective, he does not have an ankle or calf tendon - all vital parts in running - to contend with as do his competitors. Surley that alone must disqualify him. Or am I wrong?

http://www.nytimes.com/ref/sports/20...R_GRAPHIC.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/sp...&ex=1211169600

05-17-08, 04:44 AM	#1
Von Tonner Seasoned Skipper Join Date: May 2005 Location: South Africa Posts: 711 Downloads: 44 Uploads: 0	Is this an advantage or not? Firstly, let me say from the outset I am in awe of this guys determination, courage, and tenacity - but in the arena in which he wants to compete is it fair to his fellow competitors. I must admit I am not convinced it is fair. Why I say this is largely due to the courts reasons. "In overturning a ban imposed by the International Association of Athletics Federations, track and field’s governing body, the court deemed that there was not enough evidence to prove that Pistorius’s flexible j-shaped blades, attached below his knees, gave him an advantage." Well, how much evidence is required? If 'advantage' is measured, is a 20% advantage permissable but 21% and above not? Tests done last November found their was an advantage. "The I.A.A.F. sponsored three days of testing on Pistorius, who gave his consent, in Cologne, Germany, under the supervision of Peter Brüggemann, a professor at the German Sport University. Brüggemann found that the Cheetah prosthetics were more efficient than a human ankle. He also found that they could return energy in maximum speed sprinting and that Pistorius was able to keep up with a few able-bodied sprinters while expending about 25 percent less energy." But. "Pistorius’s lawyers, however, argued that the results of the study did not provide enough evidence to make a decision, and they lodged an appeal in February. Jeffrey Kessler, a lawyer with the New York-based firm Dewey & LeBoeuf, who agreed to take the case on a pro bono basis, led Pistorius’s defense." Again, quantify what is "enough" From purely a laymans' perspective, he does not have an ankle or calf tendon - all vital parts in running - to contend with as do his competitors. Surley that alone must disqualify him. Or am I wrong? http://www.nytimes.com/ref/sports/20...R_GRAPHIC.html http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/sp...&ex=1211169600