Blade Runner: Logos Prevails Over Pathos
It has been reported today that the International Association of Athletics Federations have finally ruled to bar Oscar Pistorius a.k.a. The Blade Runner from competing at the Olympic games in Beijing. If you are Unfamiliar with this story see this BBC feature
The basic facts are these:
- Oscar Pistorius legs were amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old.
- He has been competing in athletics with the aid of prosthetic blades.
- He has until know been allowed to compete in both able bodied and amputee athletic events.
- The IAAF have now ruled that he will be unable to compete in this years Olympics as it is claimed the blades give an unfair advantage.
- I am 100% behind this ruling.
Harsh But Fair
It amazes me that this guy has been allowed to compete at all in able bodied events since he has 2 massive springs strapped to his legs for gods sake, they aren't called cheetah blades for nothing. Allow me to theorise... in an extremely flippant manner.
If a guy with only one leg wants to compete, can he use a bike? That's okay is it not, because it's not an unfair advantage if you're disabled. It just levels the playing field. How about someone who is born with another disability, a mild condition... lets say, he was born a slow runner. Should we let this athlete take some drugs that could give him a more even chance?
This guy is not the perfect athlete so why should he rely on mechanical aids to assist him? I know it's a shame about the poor guys legs and I'm glad I don't suffer like he does. He is an amazing character and his determination, drive and overall ambitions puts me and most of the people I know to shame. This however should not cloud the cold hard facts of the real world. Life is not a Disney movie, nor is it a modern day primary school, where everyone's a winner.