Dwarfs.

[wildwood]

I didn't see any dwarfs in the Olympics or Paralympics. I know they have their own worldwide sports events but are they not allowed to participate in the general O/paralympics?

[ojread2]

Are you for real?

there were plenty of small people (dwarf is not a term in general use nowadays for a variety of reasons)

[ojread2]

Ellie Simmonds?? Our very own medal swimmer for a start

[LazyGun]

Eh? Yes, dwarfism is one of the categories for inclusion within the paralympics.

One of our most high profile paralympic medal winners was ellie simmonds, who was born with achondroplasia - or dwarfism, to you and me....

[emmie]

Ellie Simmonds is one, perhaps you didn't watch her swimming races, and gold medals.

[emmie]

dwarf, drawfism is still in use, having heard any number of people use these terms, notably in Ellie Simmonds case.

[factor-fiction]

You must have missed seeing Ellie Simmonds holding the torch at the closing ceremony.
http://www.itv.com/ne...the-paralympic-flame/

[jno]

I don't think Wildwood is in the UK? So may not have seen every moment of the games.

[factor-fiction]

>"I know they have their own worldwide sports events ..."

I trust you weren't thinking of this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_tossing

I don't remember ever seeing a dwarf in the main Olympics but I see no reason why not. There is no rule preventing Paralympians taking part in some Olympics events -Oscar Pistorius ran in both this year.

[emmie]

Oscar was the exception to the rule.

[factor-fiction]

Where are you from/living, wildwood? If it's USA you may remember this US paralympian
http://www.teamusa.or.../KE/Jill-Kennedy.aspx

[factor-fiction]

....exception to what rule, em10?

[Brinjal]

Natalie du Toit has also competed in Paralympics and Olympics .

[thenry]

Remember when Spike Milligan woke up and there was 4 foot of snow - he noticed a remarkable absence of dwarves in the street !

[Nibble]

There's no rule forbidding the participation of anyone of any ability/impairment in the Olympics, but given the extremely high qualification standards set by the National Olympic Committees, (so as not to "look stupid" - not how I'd like to express that, but.. - and thus losing a bit of their co-efficient for forthcoming games, I'd suggest that having a larger number of crossover athletes would not be very likely to occur. IMO :)

[emmie]

i wasn't aware that Natalie Du Toit had competed in the main Olympics.

[craft1948]

They should have let that Chinese bird swim in the men's events........

[emmie]

what chinese bird. I watched in amazement at the Paralympic swimmers, at one swimmer who had no arms, and led the race almost from start to finish. The noise in the Aquatic centre was astounding.

[wildwood]

Yes jno. I live in NZ permanently now and it was a genuine question. All the coverage we get is NZ orientated ofcourse. If I upset anyone with referring to the little people as dwarfs then I am sorry. I just don't know what else to call them.

My question was motivated by wondering wether the little people are termed as disabled. They certainly seem to do everything a larger person can do within reason, but for them to participate at the normal Olympics would not be fair on them.

[mike11111]

Young Snow White had no complaints!

[sir.prize]

wildwood - not sure whether you can view all Youtube clips - but here is our fantastic Ellie Simmonds