Sportsgalaxy: Oscar Pistorius to Compete in London 2012 Olympics Games

Oscar Pistorius made history by becoming the first amputee athlete cleared to compete among the able-bodied athletes in an Olympics games as he qualified to represent South Africa in the 400m race at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Pistorius had continually made a case to be allowed to compete alongside able-bodied men at major competitions. His second position in a time of 45.52s at the African Championship in Benin Republic meant that he did not meet the Olympic ‘A’ qualification standard (45.30s) for the individual 400m at the Games.

However, his inclusion in the South Africa’s relay team would eventually pave way for him to compete in the individual events. Pistorius would also participate in the Paralympics’ Games in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 4x100m relay

. After he was placed second in Benin Republic, the double amputee had this to say: "My race (today) felt good and I'm pleased to have won the silver medal at the African Championships. I am obviously disappointed that my time was just outside of the Olympic 'A' qualification time. I had felt very strong coming into this competition as my fitness and speed has been continually improving.

"I was in good shape to set the time and believe my speed will only increase over the next few weeks. I had a great early start to the season, setting the Olympic qualification time and I am hoping that there is still the opportunity for me to be selected to run for South Africa in the 4x400m relay.

"I am also extremely excited about the Paralympic Games in London and a big focus for me will be defending my three titles as well as being part of the South African team competing for a world record in the 4x100m relay at the Paralympics."

The 25 year old athlete popularly called the “Blade Runner” because of his prosthetic carbon fibre limbs was born in Johannesburg but lost his limbs 11 months after his birth, because of a congenital defect which resulted in his being born without lower limb bones.

However, this defect has not deterred him; it did not dampen his morale and his resolve to succeed. He was not satisfied with being called a disabled athlete. He wanted to make a statement on the track. He wanted to show to the world that disability was only a thing of the mind.

Today, what so many able-bodied men could not do, Oscar Pistorius has done it on prosthesis. He would be making history as he competes with both able-bodied athletes and physically challenged athletes as well at the 2012 London Olympics Games.

He has figured a way out of his disability. Today he can proudly say he does not consider himself disabled. Come to think of it, is Pistorius truly disabled? I don’t think he is. If he can do what great men cannot do, then he should not be considered a disabled man.

Oscar Pistorius is our ‘History Maker” of the week because of his ability to rise above his challenges and qualify to run alongside other able-bodied athletes at the London Olympics. He will not only make South Africa proud, he will also make other Africans proud by his great achievements. We are eagerly waiting to see him perform brilliantly at the Olympic Games.

Your comments are highly welcome. Is there any athlete you feel should make our “History Maker” of the week list? Please do let us know of such persons so we could include their names on our list. Share this post with your friends to help them rise above their circumstances.