BLADE RUNNER PISTORIUS WINS 400M PARALYMPICS GOLD
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 09 Sep 2012
Oscar Pistorius of South Africa finally won his first individual gold medal on the last day of competition of the 2012 London Paralympics as he crosses the finish line way ahead of his rivals in the finals of the men's 400m - T44. The ?Blade Runner? set a new Paralympic record 46.68, more than three seconds ahead of the nearest challenger.
American Blake Leeper finished second and another USA athlete David Prince was third. ?This has been the most phenomenonally successful Olympic and Paralympic Games and I think the world is finally seeing that Paralympic sport is truly elite,? Pistorius said.
He took the silver medal in the 200 meters in a shock loss because he set a world record of 21.30 seconds in the semi-finals. He anticipated his loss though in the 100 meters. Together with his teammates, they won the gold medal in the 4 ? 100 meter relay with a world record time of 41.78 seconds.
Pistorius has double below-knee amputations but competes in T44 events for single below knee amputees, though he is actually classified in T43 for double below knee amputees.
In 2007, Pistorius started joining his first international competitions for able-bodied athletes. His Flex-Foot Cheetah carbon fiber transtibial prosthese became the subject of controversy and was suspected that he had an unfair advantage over able-bodied runners. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) then banned the use of "any technical device that incorporates springs, wheels or any other element that provides a user with an advantage over another athlete not using such a device."
Scientists analyzed that Pistorius had a significant advantage over athletes without prosthetic limbs. The IAAF then ruled him disqualified for track competitions under the federation?s rules, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
This decision was reversed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on the argument that since he was slower at the starting blocks than an able-bodied athlete there was inadequate proof that Pistorius had a general advantage over able-bodied athletes without prosthetics.
At the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, he won gold medals in the 100, 200 and 400 meters (T44 category). At the 2012 London Olympics, Pistorius became the first double leg amputee to participate in the Olympics for able-bodied athletes. He joined the men's 400 meters and was part of South Africa's 4 ? 400 m relay team.
Pistorius was born in Johannesburg with fibular hemimelia (congenital absence of the fibula) in both legs. It caused the amputation of his legs halfway between his knees and ankles at the age 11 months old.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Joshua Buatsi vs Zack Parker Headlines Manchester Show on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 01 Nov 2025NBA Referees will wear headsets during NBA games
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 01 Nov 2025PERO, THOMPSON READY FOR ORLANDO SHOWDOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 01 Nov 2025South Cotabato overall champ in Batang Pinoy boxing meet
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Bernardino to play in Malaysia and France chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Make way for the Philippines' oldest active chess player
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Canada High: Mikaela Mayer Wins Unified Super Welterweight Crown
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Great Virtues of Champions
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 31 Oct 2025‘HAPPY’ HEAVYWEIGHT THOMPSON READY FOR PERO WAR
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Lakers Sale Approved: Mark Walter Takes Majority Stake, Ending Buss Family Era
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 31 Oct 2025SBA Season 2 Kicks Off November 10
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 31 Oct 2025History made twice over
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 31 Oct 2025ORLANDO PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND VIDEO: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID BETWEEN LENIER PERO, JORDAN THOMPSON AND UNDERCARD
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Biado, Magpantay enter last 32 round of Qatar World Cup 10-Ball
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 31 Oct 2025Shaw vs Woodward Return for the 2025 Mosconi Cup!
Fri, 31 Oct 2025