IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) ruled today that the prosthetic feet used by double amputee, Oscar Pistorius give him too much of an advantage over other contestants! Oscar is consequently banned from competing in the Beijing Olympics.
Pistorius lost both his legs as a child and is using prosthetic feet designed and manufactured Ossur. The feet are made of carbon and are light and strong as well as highly flexible.
According to the findings of the IAAF the feet make it possible for Pistorius to run at 25% less energy use than an able bodied athlete. No wonder Pistorius has got the nickname “Blade Runner”.
“An athlete using this prosthetic blade has a demonstrable mechanical advantage (more than 30 per cent) when compared to someone not using the blade,” the IAAF said.
After winning gold and bronze at the Special Olympics in 2004, Oscar wanted to compete on equal terms with able bodied athletes at the Beijing Olympics.
This is a big disappointment for Oscar who is at his peak of his career and still only 21.
If I would rule – I would let him compete!
Read More:
Marketwire: Ossur’s Statement
An Amputee Sprinter: Is He Disabled or Too-Abled?
Telegraph: Pistorius masters quick step