overtaking haynes

My excuse is that I never try hard on trail races because to me the times really don't matter that much (being sometimes several minutes per mile slower than road and each one so different). I prefer trails, but I don't feel like I have much to prove. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

http://scienceofsport.blogspot.com/2007/07/oscar-pistorius-science-and-engineering.html

pretty good article regarding the science behind pistorius's prostheses advantages.

I read on CNN this morning that Oscar Pistorius is being allowed to try to qualify for the 2008 olympics. Here's a link. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/david_epstein/05/16/Pistorius/index.html

I would have to concur. It seems like an a mechanical advantage to me.

There is most likely an advantage but what can the poor guy do? There is really no way to make prosthetic legs that are exactly fair compared to the real thing. I just think that he should be allowed to compete since I'm pretty sure this is a once or twice in a century kind of thing. If he were to medal I think there should be an extra medal for the "normal" runners. Not sure what to do about relays though. An individual event is one thing...It is clear that 5 years from now he will probably be even faster due to technological advances, I just think that the guy can't compete any other way. Preventing him from competing is kind of discrimination. I'm glad he'll be allowed to compete, I just think they shouldn't take away anyone else's medal or spot on the olympic team and should make a special exception. If the time comes when normal runners can't compete with amputees, then obviously there can be a whole new enhanced athlete olympics. Until then...I think most everyone wants to see him race so why not!