Debate Over Artificial Legs in Sports
source: http://www.livescience.com/culture/091130-sports-pistorius-artificial-legs.html
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- DeliaTheArtist
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"The South African sprinter, who races with two prosthetic lower legs, has been the subject of a see-saw legal battle trying to determine if his carbon fiber, crescent-shaped manufactured legs give him an unfair advantage. Now, two sports scientists have published new research showing that the legs, known as "Cheetahs," make him 15-20 percent faster, equal to 10 seconds over a 400 meter race, then he otherwise would be with natural legs.
Pistorius, known as the Blade Runner, was born without fibula bones in his lower legs, resulting in a double amputation at the age of 11 months. At age 18, he won the 200m race at the 2004 Summer Paralympics, followed by a gold medal in the 2005 South African championships against able-bodied competitors.
Of course, when the discussion is about steroids, blood doping or even corked bats, the athlete becomes the villian. For the "fastest man on no legs," as Pistorius is often called, there are mixed opinions, ranging from those that champion the rights and progress of disabled athletes to those that want to preserve the perceived "level playing field" and integrity of the sport.
The published research should not cause the CAS to reconsider and, as of now, Pistorius is still eligible to compete for a spot in London. He seems to be keeping all of this debate in perspective, "When people ask me what it's like having artificial legs, I reply, 'I don't know. What's it like having real legs?'" He adds, "Some people view themselves as disabled because they have one or two disabilities. But what about the millions and millions of abilities they have?"
http://www.livescience.com/culture/091130-sports-pistorius-artificial-legs.html
Pistorius, known as the Blade Runner, was born without fibula bones in his lower legs, resulting in a double amputation at the age of 11 months. At age 18, he won the 200m race at the 2004 Summer Paralympics, followed by a gold medal in the 2005 South African championships against able-bodied competitors.
Of course, when the discussion is about steroids, blood doping or even corked bats, the athlete becomes the villian. For the "fastest man on no legs," as Pistorius is often called, there are mixed opinions, ranging from those that champion the rights and progress of disabled athletes to those that want to preserve the perceived "level playing field" and integrity of the sport.
The published research should not cause the CAS to reconsider and, as of now, Pistorius is still eligible to compete for a spot in London. He seems to be keeping all of this debate in perspective, "When people ask me what it's like having artificial legs, I reply, 'I don't know. What's it like having real legs?'" He adds, "Some people view themselves as disabled because they have one or two disabilities. But what about the millions and millions of abilities they have?"
http://www.livescience.com/culture/091130-sports-pistorius-artificial-legs.html
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timetide
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While they are an advantage, anyone could get this advantage. It is not illegal, like a ton of sports drugs. That and the article fails to mention that he was politely asked not to compete in the special olympics and some other disabled competition because he blew that competition out of the water.
- 2 years ago
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timetide
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Ares
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I feel bad for the guy, but the fact is that this technology is an artificial enhancement, not unlike steroid use. He shouldn't be allowed to compete with two-legged athletes. Sounds harsh I guess, but I guess that's the cold reality.
- 2 years ago
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Ares
