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Amputee sprinter gets chance to bid for Olympics
Published on Fri, May 16, 2008 at 20:02, Updated on Fri, May 16, 2008 at 20:18 in Sports section
Tags: Beijing Olympics 2008, Athletes
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The verdict also clears Pistorius to dedicate himself to competing at the 2012 London Olympics.
''A lot of the time we've had this year we've devoted to the court case,'' Pistorius said. ''Now when I get home, my time can be dedicated to training. I am going to have to start thinking about getting my body in shape in order to run those (qualifying) times. I am hopeful there will be enough time but it is going to be very difficult.
''We have the opportunity once again to chase my dream of participating in an Olympics, if not in 2008 then in 2012.''
The IAAF based its January decision on studies by German professor Gert-Peter Brueggemann, who said the J-shaped ''Cheetah'' blades were energy efficient.
Pistorius' lawyers countered with independent tests conducted by a team led by MIT professor Hugh M. Herr that claimed to show he doesn't gain any advantage over able-bodied runners.
CAS said the IAAF failed to prove that Pistorius' running blades give him an advantage.
''The panel was not persuaded that there was sufficient evidence of any metabolic advantage in favor of a double-amputee using the Cheetah Flex-Foot,'' CAS said. ''Furthermore, the CAS panel has considered that the IAAF did not prove that the biomechanical effects of using this particular prosthetic device gives Oscar Pistorius an advantage over other athletes not using the device.''
Pistorius was born without fibulas _ the long, thin outer bone between the knee and ankle _ and was 11 months old when his legs were amputated below the knee.
Pistorius' lawyer was thrilled by the verdict.
''He simply has the chance now to compete fairly and equally,'' Jeffrey Kessler told The Associated Press. ''We are particularly pleased that the decision is unanimous.''
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