This post is about Oscar Pistorius, a double amputee runner who participated in the 400 m and 4 x 400 meter relay race. Oscar is the first amputee runner to take part in the Olympics other than the Paralympics. What makes Oscar such a special case is his incredible ability to run, however, many feel that his prosthetic legs give him an advantage over other runners. Earlier in his running career, there was a ban on his prosthetic by the International Association of Athletics Federation in 2007. After a successful appeal, he was able to compete in competitions again. Swimuit Illustrated did a lengthy article about Oscar and his prosthetic legs. To summarize the article, it brought in eight physiologist and biomechanics experts who had no affiliation in Oscars testing to judge his legs and their advantage/disadvantage. The decision was split between four believing his legs were and advantage, and the other four saying there were more disadvantages to his legs than there are benefits. I honestly feel like he does have an advantage. However, this doesn't mean to say that he is a bad athlete or he doesn't deserve to compete in races. Only time and research will show whether he is at and advantage or disadvantage. Until that time, i will continue to enjoy watching his races with other competitors.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/olympics/2012/writers/david_epstein/08/03/oscar-pistorius-london-olympics/index.html
-Vince Dinh
Kin 332I (T/TH 2:00)
3 comments:
This was very interesting to me because my last roommate had two prosthetic legs also. He fell 80 ft zip lining and is very lucky to be alive. You realize just how much of a disadvantage they have in everyday life when you live with them. But now with the advances in science its crazy how far we have come. What was really interesting to me was the fact that he had different sets of legs for different things that he would do in a day. He has his walking legs, running legs, and his comfort ones. He was even looking into a pair he could modify to attach to a surfboard so he could get back in the water. As far as the running legs are concerned I personally think they somewhat of an advantage also. They are pretty much spring loaded and almost force you to propel further. I think more research needs to be done for the creation of legs that are as close to the real thing as possible so that there isn't an advantage on either side.
Rhys Ward Kin 332i tues/thurs 2:00
According to the research so far, it seems like he is at an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. When he raced with the Paralympics they said it was unfair, and when he raced at the Olympics they also said it was unfair. He seems not to fit in anywhere because of his success. The part that stuck out to me the most, regardless of whether or not people accept him in the sports world, is his attitude. He keeps fighting for his right to run, and all along the way, he is very attentive to the people around him. Even at the Olympics, he was not too busy training to say hello to people, and the Twitter picture that they talk about in the article is adorable. You can tell that he has a heart for people, and he is an excellent example of what you can do under any circumstances.
Nicole Pattison
Kin 332i (T/Th 2:00)
According to the research so far, it seems like he is at an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. When he raced with the Paralympics they said it was unfair, and when he raced at the Olympics they also said it was unfair. He seems not to fit in anywhere because of his success. The part that stuck out to me the most, regardless of whether or not people accept him in the sports world, is his attitude. He keeps fighting for his right to run, and all along the way, he is very attentive to the people around him. Even at the Olympics, he was not too busy training to say hello to people, and the Twitter picture that they talk about in the article is adorable. You can tell that he has a heart for people, and he is an excellent example of what you can do under any circumstances.
Nicole Pattison
Kin 332i (T/Th 2:00)
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