Oscar Pistorius set a world record in the 200m sprint at his first Paralympics in 2004. (Getty Images) (ATR) The International Association of Athletics Federations says double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius cannot compete in IAAF events following a study showing his prosthetic legs confer a significant mechanical advantage.
The prosthetics give him a mechanical advantage of some 30 percent over an able-bodied runner with similar sprint times and healthy ankles, according to a study carried out at the German Sport University in Cologne.
The IAAF Council reviewed the university study and concluded that Pistorius’s legs qualify as a technical aid prohibited under IAAF rule 144.2.
“It is evident that an athlete using the Cheetah prosthetic is able to run at the same speed as able bodied athletes with lower energy consumption,” reads a statement from the IAAF.
“Oscar Pistorius is not eligible to compete in competitions organized under IAAF rules,” the statement concludes.
Pistorius’s agent says his legal team is planning a response.
“We are obviously very disappointed," Peet Van Zyl tells British media. Oscar Pistorius uses the Ossur company’s Cheetah prosthetics designed for sprinters. (Getty Images)
“The natural feeling from our side is to appeal the verdict. The onus is now on us to prove that he is not getting an advantage," he continued.
Pistorius, 21,has beaten elite able bodied runners in some races, such as a Golden League meet in Rome last year, but has not cinched an Olympic spot. His best 100 meter time is seven-tenths of a second too long for an automatic Olympic qualification.
Written by Maggie Lee
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