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'Blade Runner' Aims for History

Oscar Pistorius is the first amputee to compete

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 4, 2012 7:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – Oscar Pistorius made Olympic history simply by competing in a 400-meter heat today, and he earned a chance to make some more tomorrow. The 25-year-old South African became the first amputee to compete in an Olympic race, reports the Washington Post. Pistorius, who uses a pair of carbon fiber prosthetic legs, finished second in his heat and advanced to the semifinals, notes AP. "I've worked for six years ... to get my chance," he said. "I found myself smiling in the starting block." See Bleacher Report for more on his story, including his rebuttal of accusations that the prosthetics give him an unfair advantage.

South Africa's Oscar Pistorius competes in a men's 400-meter heat.
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius competes in a men's 400-meter heat.   (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa De Olza)
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius prepares to start in a men's 400-meter heat.
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius prepares to start in a men's 400-meter heat.   (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius reacts after finishing his 400-meter heat.
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius reacts after finishing his 400-meter heat.   (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius competes in a men's 400-meter heat.
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius competes in a men's 400-meter heat.   (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 18 comments
Glasswalker
Aug 5, 2012 7:18 PM CDT
"... including his rebuttal of accusations that the prosthetics give him an unfair advantage." You mean aside from the fact that HE DOESN'T HAVE ANY FUCKING FEET???
paul123
Aug 5, 2012 7:40 AM CDT
When you can convince me that being a double amputee is an advantage, then I may agree with keeping him out. Actually, I'm an amputee myself. I'm not looking for sympathy. I'm just saying this is inspiring. A prosthetic, even one as advanced as these, take time and training to even be able to use effectively. Nothing is as good as the real thing. On the flip side, It's easier if you are an amputee as a child, because you've known/ lived it for most or all of your life. it's much harder for adults to adapt. Oscar lost his legs at 11 mos old
flin1
Aug 4, 2012 5:32 PM CDT
If he wins, the Chinese will field a whole team of 'amputees' in '16.
 

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