Oscar Pistorius

Born without the fibula in both legs, Pistorius was only 11 months old when his parents made the heart-wrenching decision to have his limbs amputated below the knee. He says he never really knew anything different. As a child he announced to his father that one day he would play in the Super 8 rugby event, and this would characterize his future approach to life. He did indeed play rugby, water polo and tennis as a schoolboy.

Then in January 2004, Pistorius shattered his right knee on the rugby field. Doctors recommended he switch to track. At age 17, he ran the 100m in an open competition at the Pilditch stadium in his hometown of Pretoria after training for only two months. He ran it in 11.51 seconds; the world record was 12.20.

Competitive Highlights:

2008

Paralympics, Beijing
- Gold medal for 100m (11.17 sec)
- Gold medal and Paralympic Record for 200m (21.67 sec)
- Gold medal and World Record for 400m (47.49 sec)
Spitzenleichtathletik Meeting, Lucerne, Switzerland, able-bodied IAAF sanctioned meeting
- 400m (46.25s) Personal Best time
2007

Senior South African National Championships – able-bodied –
- Silver - 400m (46.56s)
- April 4th 2007 Oscar shattered the world record for the 100m sprint, running the distance in an amazing 10.91 seconds, at the Nedbank Championships for the Physically Disabled, South Africa.
2006
IPC World Championships Assen
- Gold 100m (11.32s)
- Gold 200m (21.80s) (new world record in semifinal 21.66s)
- Gold 400m (49.42s) (new world record)

Oscar has broken his own world record 27 times and is the first ever Paralympian to win Gold in each of the 100, 200 and 400 meter-sprints.

In January, 2008, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) banned him from competing against able-bodied runners on the grounds that his prostheses give him a technical advantage. Oscar adamantly disagrees.

In May, 2008, Pistorius took his case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which ruled that the evidence was inconclusive and overturned the IAAF's findings.

AN INSPIRATION TO OTHERS

Pistorius is a commendable humanitarian, who possesses a gift of friendship and brings hope to those in need of it. In June 2006, he was appointed an ambassador of 'Sole of Africa', a Mozambique-based project that focuses on the needs of landmine victims and people with disabilities throughout the continent. The project was launched under the direction of the Mineseeker Foundation, whose patrons include Nelson Mandela and his wife Graça Machel, as well as Sir Richard Branson.

Oscar 'Oz' Pistorius possesses an incredible human spirit. He has defied all odds, becoming one of the best athletes the world has seen. His passion, compassion and humility have energised the lives of many and restored faith in their own capabilities. His never-say-die attitude is exemplary for many people with disabilities. He has demonstrated that mental strength can enable humanity to scale intimidating heights of achievement.