I'm not much of an Olympic-watcher and tend toward the cynical -- too much money, too many drugs and performance-enhancing shit, too many goofy commercials and corporate sponsorship, too many professionals playing as amateurs, etc. -- but the story of the South African runner Oscar Pistorius gave me that stand-up-hair-on-your-arms chill and thrill. Despite those who cried foul on his disability giving him an advantage, I felt thrilled by his efforts, by the sheer skill and fortitude, speed and strength he gave to become an Olympian.
I think that those shiny bladed legs carried all persons with disabilities forward a bit more -- and those of us who walk alongside them some heart and hope and continued courage to persevere.
Watch this video and tell me whether you agree or not:
HERE.
Great minds!
ReplyDeleteI really believe that whatever the apparently (and I stress apparently) less able/gifted do which motivates and inspires anyone is great...we live in a world with too little inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHonestly- I think he's amazing and beautiful and represents what I love about the Olympics which is the vast variety of humanity who compete together. The kid who went to private school and who was raised with every advantage doesn't always beat the kid who learned to run on dirt roads in a tiny country. You know? And I'll tell you something that made me proud of my country (and very little does) was when the United States athletes came into the stadium and every freaking color of human was in that group.
ReplyDeleteCompletely inspiring. I have seen my aunt, who lost her legs, (one at a time) struggle valiantly through pain and frustration with her first prosthesis before becoming wheelchair bound. Anyone who says this Olympian has an advantage might want to spend some time in a rehab facility.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, he really is so inspiring. Haven't watched the video yet (I'm at work) but my son says that in fact Oscar Pistorius has to work harder than other runners, because he doesn't have the lower leg muscles that fire you when you run and so has to power himself differently. In a class last spring, my son gave a speech about Pistorius and the controversy about whether he should be allowed to compete and concluded that he was not in fact at an advantage as so many argued, but at a disadvantage and given this, his accomplishments reflected the truest spirit of the Olympics.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
It is totally thrilling, especially because when I worked with the Paralympics and was involved in 1992 and 1996, there were a couple of amputee athletes -- a runner and a swimmer -- who wanted to compete in the "regular" Olympics and they were denied. So in my eyes, major progress!
ReplyDeleteHe is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I am currently very in love with him.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing. HE is simply amazing.
ReplyDeleteHis performance and his heart are thrilling. His blades don't give him any advantage over 'able-bodied' athletes who have muscles and tendons which act as springs to propel them forward.
ReplyDeleteHe is an inspiration to all -- and for kids with similar legs, he lets them know that they are not a handicap and that they may accomplish anything they set out to do.
Just the still photo alone takes my breath away. What an inspiring man!
ReplyDeleteAnd I tend to agree with you about the Olympics. When they started allowing professional athletes to compete with the amateurs, they lost me. Where is the "sportsmanship" in that?
Strangely, I can't see that video here, because "NBC is only allowed to show Olympic competition video on the internet to users in the United States and U.S. Territories." Even though the frickin' Olympics are in my backyard! Whatever. I'm sure I can find it elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on Oskar Pistorius, though. He's a remarkable athlete regardless of whether or not those hooks give him a fractional advantage. I'm so glad he was able to compete.
I am with you, Elizabeth, in the cynics department...but Oskar was magnificent...I watched him. The volleyball though?? Pffft!
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday.
My husband and I felt exactly like you as we watched Oscar run. It was exhilarating and interesting to watch his fluid movement and admire his physical strength. We couldn't help but feel like the world had just taken a very big "first step".
ReplyDeleteOh yes I agree. I get cynical about the Olympics as well, but Oscar Pistorius helps me look past cynicism... plus I love to say Cheetah Blades.
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