“You’re not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have.”
- Oscar Pistorius
As an American I am beyond thrilled with our Olympians’ stellar performances at the 2012 Olympics. Comparing medal totals at the end of Day 15, it is especially gratifying to see the United States holds first place, having tallied a total of 102 medals and having pulled out ahead of second place China that holds a count of 87 medals. So many spectacular performances instill a sense of accomplishment, much needed during this time of economic hardship that batters our national ego.
However, my awe was extended beyond my country’s participants by one South African who achieved Olympic success in a way none other could have. Oscar Pistorius, known as the “Blade Runner” made history by competing as the Olympics first double-amputee. Born without fibulas, both his legs were amputated from the knees down before he was a year old. Fitted with J-shaped, carbon fiber prosthetics known as the “Cheetah Flex-Foot,” the twenty-five year old competed in the 400-meter heat. He described his experience as “mind blowing.” It certainly was.
