Oscar Pistorius is a 21 year old South African. He was born without fibulas and had both legs amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old. He got fake, prosthetic legs and learned to walk on them. However, he did more than just walking – he learned how to run with them – more importantly run fast. Then came the time when he decided to take part in the upcoming Olympics 2008 to be held in Beijing, China.
But here comes the astonishingly obtuse part – the track and field’s world governing body ruled that Oscar Pistorius is not eligible to compete in Olympic (Paraylympics) qualifying events. The reason? – Pistorius has an unfair advantage!! He is able to run a little too fast with his prosthetic legs!!
This is a situation where the word “dumb” comes to my mind! How arrogant and how imprudent!
Well, even normal sprinters are known to take energy drinks; design better spikes, starting block, gear etc. all aimed to improve their performance. Let’s talk about people who play Golf or Tennis – they are always in the lookout for better golf clubs and rackets?? Should we go ahead and penalize Tiger Woods and Roger Federer? Explain me why is it wrong, if a runner has a “better prosthetic legs”?? It is not like a normal sprinter taking part in the Paraylympics. Before you offer any argument, explain what does the word “better” mean here? What part of word prosthetic legs people don’t understand?
Personally, I don’t think it is the legs – taking those legs and putting it in on some other sprinter will not guarantee any success. On the contrary, I believe it has less to do with the prosthetic legs and more to do with – willpower, determination and the desire to run. So, will the Olympic committee take away his willpower or determination, because it is just a tad too strong?? Give me a freaking break!
Anyway, Pistorius promised to fight for his right to compete: “I feel that it is my responsibility on behalf of myself and all other disabled athletes, to stand firmly and not allow one organization to inhibit our ability to compete using the very tools without which we simply cannot walk, let alone run. I will not stand down.”
