Oscar Pistorius Wins Appeal

 
In January, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) banned Oscar Pistorius, a double amputee, from competing against able-bodied athletes. This sparked a lengthy appeal-process for the runner, which ended this week when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the IAAF’s decision and ruled that Pistorius is eligible to run in races against his able-bodied counterparts. The decision was unanimous.

Pistorius now still has to qualify to compete in the individual 400 meter event for the Beijing Olympics, but in the meantime will be competing in both Paralympic and able-bodied races.

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' 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." (AP)

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