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DOUBLE WHAMMY FOR OUR OSCAR Oscar Pistorius makes history for his Olympic selection – but should he run?
by STAFF REPORTER
O
scar Pistorius has made history by becoming the first double amputee to compete at both the Olympics and the Paralympics – but despite overwhelming support for his achievement, some still believe it will not be wise for him to do so. Blade Runner’s dream of competing at the Olympics became a reality after last week’s announcement by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) that he’ss one of 13 additional athletes on the Olympic squad. This brings the number of athletes to 125. Pistorius planned to run in the 400m, but was unable to record the required qualifying time 45.25 at least three times. He came agonisingly close during recent races in Benin and Belgium, and it seemed the dream was over, but he has now been included in South Africa’s 4x400m relay team. He will be joined in the relay team by William de Beer, Ofentse Mogawane and 400m hurdler LJ van Zyl. Pistorius will also be permitted to run the men’s
400-metre race, according to Sascoc Chief Executive Officer Tubby Reddy, although it is not yet certain whether he will do so. The sprinter was clearly elated when he posted on Twitter, “Today is one my happiest days of my life. Will be in London for both the Paralympic and Olympic Games.” According to South African sports writer Kevin McCallum, Pistorius’s selection was justified, and that sceptics who believed Oscar’s prosthetic legs give him an unfair advantage could be silenced by this question: If he is getting an advantage from the prosthetics, how come there aren’t other double-legged amputees running the same times he is? McCallum said Pistorius was indeed a ‘freak’ – “a freak like all other extraordinary athletes – like a Michael Phelps, a Carl Lewis – and therefore possessed of physical gifts not normally found in the general population.” McCallum added, “There is the emotional aspect of taking Pistorius to the Olympics and that may have played some part in Athletics South Africa
asking Sascoc for permission to allow him to compete in the 400m as an individual. He did not reach the second A qualifying time required, but he had posted the two fastest times by a South African over 400m this year and was part of the squad that won silver in the 4x400m at the world championships last year.” McCallum believes Blade Runner’s presence at the Games “will be the greatest public relations South Africa could wish for. He will, along with Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps, become the big-name attraction in London.” However, this star factor is exactly why some people believe he shouldn’t run at the Olympics. His friend Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson, Britain’s best known Paralympian, controversially claimed last year that the Paralympic event he competes in should be banned from disability competition so that the Paralympics is not undermined. Baroness Tanni, who won 11 gold medals, said if Pistorius can’t compete at the Paralympics because he is injured in the Olympics, his ...continued on page 3
INSIDE:
South African Property Monthly | p10 Moving back to SA and looking for a home? Or simply want an investment property? We bring you all the latest news, advice and properties for sale in South Africa.
London calling: The Cousin’s back in town | p9 Be prepared to laugh so much it hurts as Barry Hilton brings his Stand-Up Chameleon tour to London on Thursday. We chat to him ahead of the show.
Grape surprises at a Surrey vineyard | p16 Pining for the Cape Winelands? Why not visit a winery right here in England. They make wine here, you ask? Yes, they do, and the country’s biggest vineyard is only a short trip away.