Double amputee - and Olympian (oh, and Paralympian too)

[Judge Jude]

some of you may not know this story yet - though you will this month:

http://aol.sportingnews.com/olympics/story/2012-07-05/oscar-pistorius-olympics-2012-london-amputee-runner-south-africa-400

“Oscar Pistorius, a South African runner, this week became the first amputee to be named as a competitor in the Olympic Games. Pistorius, who has spent most of his 25 years without lower legs, will compete in London in the 400 meters (his favorite event) and the 1,600-meter relay, and will later compete in the Paralympic Games.

He’ll do so on the same pair of prosthetic, carbon-fiber limbs, or blades, known as the “Cheetah Flex-Foot” that once caused him to be handcuffed and detained at an Amsterdam airport, when police suspected him of being a terrorist. Every Olympian has a compelling back-story, but none have been this fascinating.”

[Riff Raff]

I have been following this guy for a couple of years now. I saw a TV special on him that discussed his back story but also brought up the precedent of technology being introduced to the running sports.

The way I see it, the athletes constantly improve their shoes ... and in the pool the swimmers now often wear those space-worthy body suits to reduce drag. A cloudy subject.

I think it is awesome he will compete on the largest stage. Kudos Oscar.

[swampdragon]

As many know, I teach 8th grade pre-engineering. I have written curriculum on this and we debate the allowance of his participation.

It is probably the most passionate discussion that we have. I play the role of moderator disproving both sides.

"Oscar should be able to compete because he is a human triumphing over his obstacles, blah, blah blah"
"But the guy has SUPER SPRINGS"
"He has taken what he was given and became a world class athlete"
"Oh yeah, why does he change to his super springs"
etc.

and chaos ensues - we never come to a close on this discussion

I also point out that he is a model for a sneaker company and the dude has no feet - the marketing guys are geniuses

I throw in that his good looks certainly help his case and popularity too

giggle "Mr. B said that he was good looking"
"Mr. B is right, he is jacked"
"I just think that he is cute"