Should the "Blade Runner" Be Allowed in the Olympics?

Oscar Pistorius Makes Olympics History, Reaches Men's 400-Meter Semifinals (PHOTOS)

Despite it being a great story I lean towards no.

I tend to agree with you. Slippery slope; sooner or later Steve Austin/Lee Majors would become eligible.

The International Olympic Committee has thoroughly investigated and found that he has no advantage whatsoever. And this man is not a cyborg; he's a human being. He shouldn't be criticized because he has found a way to overcome his disability and compete on an even ground with athletes that don't have to face the same disadvantages.


GO OSCAR!!!

First thing I thought was, if he wins, there's no doubt that China or North Korea will seek out a double amputee to race. Or worse, create a double amputee.

Honestly, I say no. Especially, when you do so much to make sure everyone is on a level playing field. Sucks, but that's reality.

When has has a chance to sprain his ankle, break a toe, or fatigue his "foot" then I'd be more open to it.

Slippery slope, indeed.

Originally Posted by Birdsfan

The International Olympic Committee has thoroughly investigated and found that he has no advantage whatsoever. And this man is not a cyborg; he's a human being. He shouldn't be criticized because he has found a way to overcome his disability and compete on an even ground with athletes that don't have to face the same disadvantages.


GO OSCAR!!!

I enjoyed seeing him and love the story. I lean towards no. It may sound strange, but IMO there is an advantage. Fewer moving parts reduces the intangibles. He never has to worry about foot problems, no strains or fatigue from below the calf down, no twist in the ankle from a slight mis step, etc. Every runner he is facing will have muscle fatigue and various issues to their lower leg and foot that he will not deal with. It is more than the obvious weight and amount of spring in his devices.

Originally Posted by Voice of Reason

I enjoyed seeing him and love the story. I lean towards no. It may sound strange, but IMO there is an advantage. Fewer moving parts reduces the intangibles. He never has to worry about foot problems, no strains or fatigue from below the calf down, no twist in the ankle from a slight mis step, etc. Every runner he is facing will have muscle fatigue and various issues to their lower leg and foot that he will not deal with. It is more than the obvious weight and amount of spring in his devices.

I see your point, but where the blades attach to his legs must be less comfortable than God's original design. I'd say he has muscle fatigue and pain in certain areas worse than other runners.

Can't stop thinking about Katt Williams...

If it is such an advantage, then the other sprinters can participate in an amputation process similar to Oscar's and get prosthetic legs like his and race. To argue that he has an advantage is misguided, IMO. Other amputee runners with his style of prosthetics participate in the Paralympics; how come other countries don't put their sprinters on the national team? How come they are not setting records that are faster than their Olympic counterparts?

The Slippery Slope argument has more merit in my mind. The IOC must be careful to set up specific parameters around Oscar's participation and review future cases individually to determine whether circumstances warrant similar consideration. You can not make a blanket rule that can be skirted.

JMO.

Originally Posted by Clyde

When has has a chance to sprain his ankle, break a toe, or fatigue his "foot" then I'd be more open to it.

Slippery slope, indeed.

My thoughts as well, I'm not saying in any means does he have it easy but it's cuts out about 1/3 of the variables that can cause runners problems when training or competing.

Originally Posted by Clyde

When has has a chance to sprain his ankle, break a toe, or fatigue his "foot" then I'd be more open to it.

Slippery slope, indeed.

When the others have to learn to balance on two metal poles as they run, as well as go without the tactile sensation of the track, I'd be more open to them.

Originally Posted by born2reign

If it is such an advantage, then the other sprinters can participate in an amputation process similar to Oscar's and get prosthetic legs like his and race. To argue that he has an advantage is misguided, IMO. Other amputee runners with his style of prosthetics participate in the Paralympics; how come other countries don't put their sprinters on the national team? How come they are not setting records that are faster than their Olympic counterparts?

The Slippery Slope argument has more merit in my mind. The IOC must be careful to set up specific parameters around Oscar's participation and review future cases individually to determine whether circumstances warrant similar consideration. You can not make a blanket rule that can be skirted.

JMO.

Excellent points!

Great story but it's a no from me.

Perhaps a poll should be introduced in to this thread.......

I agree it's a slippery slope. His past times show he really has no shot to win but if a future "blade runner" wins then all crap will hit the fan.

Originally Posted by Birdsfan

The International Olympic Committee has thoroughly investigated and found that he has no advantage whatsoever.


GO OSCAR!!!

Give me a link.

I started a thread about this in the Other Pro Sports forum. Didn't know you had one already.

I say no. He can't get a calf cramp or a sprained ankle as was mentioned so that is an advantage I don't care how fast or slow he is. Isn't there some Disability Olympics he can go run in?

Great story, but no from me as well. There is no way to know how much is natural speed and how much is technology.

While not 100% consensus this article details the advantages that Mr Pistorious gains due to the Cheetah Flex-Feet.

Key: He is off the ground for less time than elite runners and his leg swing time is less than elite runners. A quote from the article is "His limbs are 20% lighter and he swings them 20% faster." This is key. This allows him to overcome a disadvantage that he has. He can leave his foot in contact with the ground longer which overcomes the disadvantage.

Another disadvantage is that he has to start in a standing position. However, one expert said that even factoring that in Pistorius "is still seven seconds faster over 400 meters than he would be if his limbs functioned as intact biological legs do." "The technology is enabling him to do something that nobody else can do. that's the definition of an advantage."

Does Oscar Pistorius have an unfair advantage? Answer unclear - David Epstein - SI.com

Originally Posted by Birdsfan

The International Olympic Committee has thoroughly investigated and found that he has no advantage whatsoever. And this man is not a cyborg; he's a human being. He shouldn't be criticized because he has found a way to overcome his disability and compete on an even ground with athletes that don't have to face the same disadvantages.


GO OSCAR!!!

I completely agree