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'Blade Runner' Found to Have Advantage

Amputee expected to be banned from Olympics after expert ruling

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(Newser) – The double amputee who has petitioned to be included in this year's Olympic track and field events is likely to be denied his request today, the Guardian reports. A biomechanics expert concluded that the J-shaped carbon-fiber prosthetics South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius uses gives him an unfair advantage in stride and stamina over other runners.

Olympics governing body IAAF is expected to announce its determination today, after a German scientist who spent two days with Pistorius found that he has an unfair advantage. "We're talking more than just a few percentage points," he said of the boost Pistorius' springy "Cheetah" blades give the champion of the Paralympics 200m race.

South Africa's Oscar Pistorius reacts after the men's 400-meter during the Golden Gala athletics meeting in Rome's Olympic stadium, Friday, July 13, 2007. Pistorius, who races on carbon fiber blades attached below his knees, placed second. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius reacts after the men's 400-meter during the Golden Gala athletics meeting in Rome's Olympic stadium, Friday, July 13, 2007. Pistorius, who races on carbon fiber blades attached...   (Associated Press)
Double-amputee Oscar Pistorius prepares for a training session at Brunel University, Uxbridge, London Tuesday July 10, 2007. Pistorius, a double-amputee who races using carbon fiber blades attached below his knees, will compete for the first time in an elite able-bodied field on Sunday in Sheffield, England. (AP Photo/PA, Tim Ockenden)
Double-amputee Oscar Pistorius prepares for a training session at Brunel University, Uxbridge, London Tuesday July 10, 2007. Pistorius, a double-amputee who races using carbon fiber blades attached below...   (Associated Press)
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius, left, chases the field as Angelo Taylor of the United States, right, wins the the men's 400 metres during the British Grand Prix at the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield, England, Sunday July 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius, left, chases the field as Angelo Taylor of the United States, right, wins the the men's 400 metres during the British Grand Prix at the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield, England,...   (Associated Press)
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius cuts the finish line at the men's 400-meter during the Golden Gala athletics meeting in Rome, in this Friday, July 13, 2007 file photo. A report to find out if the prosthetic limbs of double amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius should be considered technical aids has been...
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius cuts the finish line at the men's 400-meter during the Golden Gala athletics meeting in Rome, in this Friday, July 13, 2007 file photo. A report to find out if the prosthetic...   (Associated Press)
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New York Times

Graphic: comparing the Cheetahs to legs
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