Oscar Pistorius

[Mick-Talbot]

Should he be running against able bodied runners?

[New Judge]

No

[jackthehat]

Yes.

[Prudie]

Don't know

[Mick-Talbot]

Anything to add ?

I don't think he should, where does it end ?

If Oscar was actually challenging the top runners I don't think he would be allowed in the able bodied olympics.
The use of mechanics to gain an advantage would be the reason used to stop him competing.

[Prudie]

I'm not sure how they have proved scientifically that he has no dis/advantage, if he wins though he'll get some stick probably.

[bibblebub]

no

[jackthehat]

"After monitoring his track performances and carrying out tests, scientists took the view that Pistorius enjoyed considerable advantages over athletes without prosthetic limbs. On the strength of these findings, on 14 January 2008 the IAAF ruled him ineligible for competitions conducted under its rules, including the 2008 Summer Olympics. This decision was reversed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on 16 May 2008, the Court ruling overall there was no evidence that Pistorius had any net advantage over able-bodied athletes."
Investigations were made as was the determination that he was eligible to compete.
Any other athlete 'enjoying' use of prosthetics ought to be similarly investigated and if similar conclusions are reached I see no good reason why they cannot be allowed to compete.
Naturally, anyone using an arm designed by Skynet Corps like the ones on the T-800 ought to be banned from the 'chucking' events......

[Mick-Talbot]

I think you are absolutely right , Prudie.


The testing of prosthetic limbs would be pure conjecture, by that I mean would they ask the athletes to run in them first and analyse the results or would they say the prosthetic limb is eligible , give it to the athletes and say whatever times you get are ok.

[Prudie]

Was he a runner before (is there a before, I don't know much about him)?

[Mick-Talbot]

I'm sure there will be a film one day, Prudie. (and why not)

Doctors said he would never walk.

[jackthehat]

I watched a documentary on how they tested Pistorius and his blades.
Whilst he doesn't have the foot/ankle/achilles 'strike' of an able-bodied runner (and therefore the inherent stresses and strains), he also doesn't benefit from the compensatory adjustments the *entire* leg makes when completing a stride.

Thus the 'spring' gained by the curved blade is offset by the additional requirement for 'locomotion' he needs to make = no net advantage as already described.

[Hopkirk]

Either way, you have got to admire him.

[Mick-Talbot]

Indeed, Hopkirk.


just got another gold btw.

[bibblebub]

oh bum, the on screen tv listings are wrong and so missed it

[Brinjal]

He has never had legs. They were removed as a baby for some deformity.

[Mattk]

No.

Technology means that the material(s) used to manufacture his 'blades' will get better making it easier for him to go faster and faster.

[janzman]

Michael Johnson was saying any advantage he may have towards the end of the race was countered by the disadvantage at the beginning as he has to get into fully upright running position immediately as he is unable to power forward out of the blocks.

[Duncer]

"Either way, you have got to admire him."

I do, and I also have tremendous admiration for your avatar.