Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - An Amputee Sprinter: Is He Disabled or Too-Abled?

highthief · 07-15-2007, 05:41 PM

So, Pistorius as of this week has run two races against able-bodied athletes.

He finished 2nd in the B final in Italy (so against less able bodied runners, guys who likely won't make the Olympics) and was trailing badly and either got a DNF or DQ against an elite field in Sheffield, England.

Having now seen him run, my impression is:

A) he isn't likely to ever be fast enough to do any damage against elite able-bodied athletes.

B) he still should not be allowed to compete. He starts very slowly, but it is obvious that once he builds up a head of steam, he can go as fast or faster than able-bodied runners. Whether this is due to his prostethics having some kind of spring-like effect or due to the lightness of the devices, I'm not sure.

I'm very much conflicted on this as emotionally, I am pulling for him. But in the cold light of day, I'm leaning towards him having an advantage. Even if he can't beat elite able bodied runners, someone else will come along who can.

07-15-2007, 05:41 PM	#37 (permalink)
highthief Junkie Location: Ontario, Canada	So, Pistorius as of this week has run two races against able-bodied athletes. He finished 2nd in the B final in Italy (so against less able bodied runners, guys who likely won't make the Olympics) and was trailing badly and either got a DNF or DQ against an elite field in Sheffield, England. Having now seen him run, my impression is: A) he isn't likely to ever be fast enough to do any damage against elite able-bodied athletes. B) he still should not be allowed to compete. He starts very slowly, but it is obvious that once he builds up a head of steam, he can go as fast or faster than able-bodied runners. Whether this is due to his prostethics having some kind of spring-like effect or due to the lightness of the devices, I'm not sure. I'm very much conflicted on this as emotionally, I am pulling for him. But in the cold light of day, I'm leaning towards him having an advantage. Even if he can't beat elite able bodied runners, someone else will come along who can. __________________ Si vis pacem parabellum.