Humble Oscar sets lofty goals

2007-05-15 14:55

Garrin Lambley

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Cape Town - Humbleness wouldn't be the first word that springs to mind when describing the world's top athletes.

Arrogance and egotistical would be more apt when classifying those who dominate their particular fields of expertise.

That is unless you've had the privilege of engaging in conversation with South Africa's Paralympic champion, Oscar Pistorius.

Affectionately known as "The fastest thing on no legs", Pistorius is the double amputee world record holder in the 100, 200 and 400m events.

After being born without fibulas in both legs due to a congenital condition, Pistorius's parents took the agonising decision of amputating their son's legs below the knee before his first birthday.

Pistorius happily admits that it's a decision he has no qualms over as it's opened a world of opportunity to the inspirational 20-year-old University of Pretoria student.

Attention

Living by the mantra "I'm not disabled, I just don't have any legs", Pistorius's rise to the top of his sport has been nothing short of remarkable.

After being forced to quit playing tennis and water polo thanks to an ACL knee injury suffered on the rugby field some three years ago, Pistorius turned his attentions to the track.

Mere months after being fitted with a pair of carbon fibre transtibial artificial limbs, known in athletics circles as the 'Cheetah' and imported from the United States, Pistorius was selected for the South African team to travel to the 2004 Paralympics in Athens.

Pistorius sprinted to the gold medal and world record in the 200m and settled for bronze in the 100m while competing against single amputees in the T44 class.

Pistorius's next goal? Representing South Africa at next year's 'able-bodied' Olympics in Beijing.

Profession

Should athletics' governing body, the IAAF, relent and decree that his 'feet' are merely the equivalent of running shoes rather that illicit performance enhancers, Pistorius would be the first disabled athlete to qualify for an Olympic Games.

Sadly, as is the case with far too many sportsmen and women at the top of their professions, there appears to be a sinister desire to see Pistorius have his dreams dashed.

He's been the subject of harsh criticism from both disabled and able-bodied athletes who claim that being a double amputee gives him an unfair advantage.

Another criticism voiced is that the "blades" he uses are longer than are necessary, allowing him to cover more ground with each stride.

Pistorius vehemently rejects both these allegations, pointing to the times posted by fellow athletes using similar apparel - they simply don't compare to the record times posted by South Africa's golden boy.

Similarities

Oscar winning actor Tom Hanks is reportedly interested in bidding for the rights to a movie documenting Pistorius's career, desire to compete in Beijing and extraordinary life story.

The film draws similarities from Hanks's Forrest Gump role, where Hanks was a runner while his best friend struggled after losing his legs in Vietnam.

Although Pistorius is yet to hear from Hanks, his sole focus at present is his career and "my move to Hollywood can wait".

However, Pistorius is quick to point out that he'd like to see the "rugged, good looking Colin Farrell" play him in the movie, while "the most beautiful woman in the world", Rachel McAdams would be the prefect choice as his leading lady.

Sponsors

Pistorius lists Frankie Fredericks, Wayne Rooney and Valentino Rossi as his sporting idols and fondly recalls the day he was invited to perform the coin-toss duties at Old Trafford and got the chance to dribble with Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy among others.

Pistorius, with a glint in his eye, revealed his love for his motorbike, courtesy of one of his sponsors, Honda.

The need for speed clearly coarses through his veins.

Pistorius's next assignment is the Visa Paralympic World Cup in Manchester next month.

Oscar, rest assured, South Africa is behind you, egging you on to greater heights, faster times and gold, gold and more gold.

Send Oscar your wishes

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