My name is Bryan Hauer and I was born on January 11, 1976 in St. Paul, MN. Although my friends liked to kid me about it I am no relation as far as I know to the actor Rutger Hauer. I grew up mostly in Minnesota and Wisconsin 
Olympic Blade Runner: Video Interview And Story
May 27th, 2008 by Bryan Hauer
Should he be allowed to run or not? Olympic hopeful Oscar Pistorius says he should be allowed to compete in this years 2008 Summer Games in China, but should a person with artificial legs or blades in this case be allowed to compete?
Although his story is amazing and I can’t help be astonished at the amazing things this guy has accomplished I can’t help but think he would have an unfair advantage over other runners.
The question really comes down to does the fact that he can’t pull a calf muscle or twist an ankle give him an unfair advantage over the other athletes. I think it does!
You also have to take into consideration that he may gain some sort of extra boost from the “blades”.
Again, his story is amazing and inspiring and I wish nothing but the best for him, but at the same time I just don’t think he should be able to compete in this years Olympics.
Here’s the story from ESPN. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Bryan,
I thought the interview was interested and didn’t really think about the disadvantages he would have, i.e. blade slippery when wet or coming out of the blocks.
Your comment about twisting and ankle or getting a cramp or pulling a muscle in his calf was another angle I didn’t consider.
If I’m correct the determination has now been made that Pistorius will be able to compete in the 2008 Olympics, correct me if I’m wrong.
Now that being said, what presidence would this set for other amputee athletes, what about someone who now wanted to swim in the olmpics? Why couldn’t then have some type of fins attached to their legs to make them have an advantage?
Just my thoughts.
Respectfully,
Terry
June 18th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Thankfully folks much smarter than myself will make the final decision. However, keeping that in mind, there must be a way to determine whether or not the blades provide an unfair advantage. Following this line of thinking we should also consider whether folks with harsh living conditions at home need a boosted handicap. Perhaps athletes from the richer countries should start a few yards behind the start line since. They have a better chance of being able to eat Wheaties in the mornings (improved diet = unfair advantage)?