The Olympics

[bogie]

Do you find the Olympics to be a big waste of time? Personally, I'm looking forward the the ski jumping.

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by DaFace

I think it's certainly valid to question whether someone with artificial limbs should be allowed to compete in an event that uses those limbs. It's certainly impressive what he's done and inspiring, so I'm glad that he's gotten some international attention. But I read an article that suggested the only reason no one was raising a stink about it was that no one expects him to be able to medal. The article cited 5 of 8 doctors they talked to saying that they felt they caused him to have an unfair advantage.

As a few examples, he doesn't get cramps, blisters, etc., and his lungs have to bring in slightly less air since he has less of a body to support.

No one's saying that what the guy has accomplished isn't phenomenal. They're questioning whether the race isn't an apples-to-apples situation and is instead something completely different that shouldn't be in the same race.

**** it.

Lets cut off the rest of these athletes below the knees and level the playing field...

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by DaFace

I think it's certainly valid to question whether someone with artificial limbs should be allowed to compete in an event that uses those limbs. It's certainly impressive what he's done and inspiring, so I'm glad that he's gotten some international attention. But I read an article that suggested the only reason no one was raising a stink about it was that no one expects him to be able to medal. The article cited 5 of 8 doctors they talked to saying that they felt they caused him to have an unfair advantage.

As a few examples, he doesn't get cramps, blisters, etc., and his lungs have to bring in slightly less air since he has less of a body to support.

No one's saying that what the guy has accomplished isn't phenomenal. They're questioning whether the race isn't an apples-to-apples situation and is instead something completely different that shouldn't be in the same race.

It's a tough call. But realistically his legs are doing different stuff than the other guys. It takes incredible skill strength and ability to make the prosthetic do what me makes it do, but that is different than what the standard athlete does. It may even be much harder. But the fact remains that it is different.

[buddha]

Originally Posted by bogie

Do you find the Olympics to be a big waste of time? Personally, I'm looking forward the the ski jumping.

I find your posts to be the big waste of time. The Olympics are great.

[ghak99]

When he gets home he should double flipper drop kick his engineer for not finding a way to make those bitches more aerodynamic.

[BigMeatballDave]

I haven't read/heard other participants complain that its unfair.

[Hammock Parties]

I just want to know if bionic bro is getting laid.

[Jenson71]

Originally Posted by Dave

I haven't read/heard other participants complain that its unfair.

I don't think anyone would, even if they did feel it. It's hard to say, "It's so unfair for me. He doesn't have normal legs."

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by Dave

I haven't read/heard other participants complain that its unfair.

Not complaining, per se.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/16...6.html?refer=y

"He created history,'' said Grenada's Kirani James. "I have a lot of respect for him.''

But how would Pistorius be regarded if, instead of finishing second in a heat that would otherwise be ignored, he were threatening Johnson's records on feet of carbon?

"That,'' James said, "is another story."

[BigMeatballDave]

Also, while he may not have to worry about blowing an achilles, the prosthetics could fail or become detached from his legs.

He doesn't have the use of foot and calf muscles to help propel him. Its all in his thighs, hips, and lower back. He runs differently than a person with complete legs.

[Bearcat]

Originally Posted by Dave

Also, while he may not have to worry about blowing an achilles, the prosthetics could fail or become detached from his legs.

He doesn't have the use of foot and calf muscles to help propel him. Its all in his thighs, hips, and lower back. He runs differently than a person with complete legs.

That's the point of the argument.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by Dave

Also, while he may not have to worry about blowing an achilles, the prosthetics could fail or become detached from his legs.

He doesn't have the use of foot and calf muscles to help propel him. Its all in his thighs, hips, and lower back. He runs differently than a person with complete legs.

That's the point. It's different and, therefore, probably shouldn't be in the same race. It's like a swimming race where everyone's doing a breaststroke except one guy doing a backstroke.

It has nothing to do with anyone doubting the athletic ability of the guy and everything to do with the fact that it's just not the same race.

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by Bearcat

That's the point of the argument.

Yes, but that does not mean it puts him at an advantage.

He has fewer muscles.

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by DaFace

.

It has nothing to do with anyone doubting the athletic ability of the guy and everything to do with the fact that it's just not the same race.

Not the same race? He's running with fewer muscles.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by Dave

Not the same race? He's running with fewer muscles.

And more artificial devices that provide spring in a manner that is clearly extremely efficient, possibly to the point that it is superior to the human ankle.

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by DaFace

And more artificial devices that provide spring in a manner that is clearly extremely efficient, possibly to the point that it is superior to the human ankle.

He still cannot push off with his feet like normal.

I think that is decidedly a disadvantage.

Whether or not he is getting any advantage from the artificial limbs, like a 'spring' action, I can't find anything on that.