Brief synopsis: A South African runner tries to cheat his way into the Olympics by having both legs amputated shortly after birth, knowing as an infant that eventually someone would invent carbon fiber prosthetics that would enable him to run like a gazelle. The International Association of Athletics Federations sees through this clever plot. Cheating double amputee probably keeps his real legs under the bed. (Link is below.)
Oscar Pistorius calls himself the world's fastest man on no legs. The runner was born with bones missing in his legs, which required amputation below the knee shortly after his birth. But don't call Pistorius disabled — he could very well be the fastest man on any legs — if he only gets the chance.
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"My dream is to compete in at least two Olympic Games," said Pistorius.
It is a dream within reach. Pistorius has been beating able-bodied athletes, finishing second in the 400 meter race at the South African nationals in early 2007. But his biggest obstacle to his Olympic goal isn't other runners.
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The International Association of Athletics Federations, the governing body of track and field events, said Pistorius' prosthetic limbs may not be a disability at all. Spokesman Robert Hersh said they may give him an edge over runners with legs.
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"I can't see that a prosthetic can be seen as an advantage," said Pistorius. "It is such a weird concept to think about."
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