In 2012 Oscar Pistorius became the first double amputee to
compete in the outdoor Olympic Games. The Paralympic Games have
existed since 1960, and coincide with the outdoor Olympic Games,
and take place in the same city just after the Olympic Games
have finished. There have been single leg amputees, and others with
disabilities who have competed in Olympic events since the early 1900's, but
none have been as controversial as Oscar. Due to the recent
advancements in technology, prosthetics are becoming more advanced and more
ergonomic. Below is a Washington Post article released in the summer of 2012,
and just below that is a video of Pistorius competing in the 400 meter event in
2012.
Skip ahead to 2 minute mark
Let's take a second to put aside the charges against
Pistorius in the recent years after the 2012 Olympics, because that is not a
part of the discussion. I have watched several Paralympic events in person and
can say that it is one of the most empowering and motivational things that I
have ever seen. The story of Pistorius making it into the London 2012 Olympics
is truly amazing and I think many people can agree with that. At what point
does that amazement cease? What if Pistorius was a gold medal contender?
What would have happened if he had won a gold medal? Do you think that amputee
athletes with advanced prosthetics have an advantage over athletes with all
limbs intact? If you deem it ethical to allow prosthetics in Olympic
competition, then where does the technology end? Should we put a cap on what is
allowable?
Wise, M. (2012, August 4). Oscar Pistorius: let's put the
controversy to rest and celebrate his achievement. The Washington Post.
Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/oscar-pistorius-lets-put-it-to-rest-the-controversy-and-celebrate-his-achievement/2012/08/04/d2fcc4bc-de60-11e1-8e43-4a3c4375504a_story.html
Matthias E. Reiber
Matthias,
ReplyDeleteI was interested to read that you had seen several Paralympic events in person. Were you in London for the Paralympics? I wish that U.S. television networks provided more coverage of the Paralympics. But to answer your questions, I don't really know what it means to say that someone has an unfair advantage. And what does it mean to say that there is a level playing field? It is difficult to fathom that there is an advantage to being born without legs. I may see if there are articles on the ethics of using technology in Olympic events.
Good entry.
Dr. Spencer