Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius is ineligible to compete in the Beijing Olympics because his prosthetic racing blades give him a clear competitive advantage.
The International Association of Athletics Federations ruled today that the South African runner's curved blades are considered a technical aid in violation of the rules. A German professor who tested the prosthetic limbs said they give Pistorius a clear competitive advantage over able-bodied runners.
Pistorius was born without fibulas -- the long, thin outer bone between the knee and ankle. He was 11 months old when his legs were amputated below the knee.
He began running competitively four years ago to treat a rugby injury, and nine months later won the 200 meters at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. He's said he would appeal any ruling that went against him.
So what do you think? Do the limbs give him a competitive advantage? Should he be able to compete?
