Tonight along with my husband and my 13 year old daughter I watched Oscar Pitorius make Olympic history. He is the first double amputee, to compete against able bodied opponents. Pistorius runs using carbon-fiber blades, thus the nickname, the Blade Runner.
As an advocate for people with disabilities, I’m always on the lookout for stories of those who succeed beyond others’ perceptions. When I learned about Ocar Pistorius, born without fibulae with both legs amputated above the knee, I wanted to do anything in my power to see him run. Even though we’re on a short trip away from home, we made it a point to be in front of the TV to watch him qualify.
My eyes were filled with tears as he stood there waiting for the race to start. He was smiling and nodding to the crowd. Did this help calm his nerves or was it a celebration for the opportunity he was given? I explained what was happening to my daughter – that the Oscar Pistorius was not only racing in the ParaOlympics, but in the Olympics, a first.
Then he ran and he was just like the other runners. Furiously, amazingly fast. We watched wide eyed as he made it to the Men’s 400 Meter Semifinals. We cheered, right there in the restaurant. We heard others giggling as the race began. Maybe it had nothing to do with Oscar, the Blade Runner. I pray it wasn’t. Nothing was going to ruin this moment for me.
The biggest thrill was my daughter’s reaction. She already knew about him and couldn’t understand why he had to fight to race able-bodies athletes while he trained and worked just as hard as they did. Such simple logic.
Image Source – http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oscar_Pistorius.jpg
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Twitter: tannawings
says:
I missed seeing him run but read a but ago that altho he didnt place in this event he will be in the relay which is a good thing. I saw him run before on another sports show and he is pretty amazing!
Congratulations to Oscar Pistorius. I am one of your fans. I looking forward for this London Olympic.
Misha Grier recently posted..Can you Whiten Your Teeth Easily At Home
Twitter: FoundtheMarbles
says:
I wrote about his story a couple of months ago because I found him so incredibly inspiring. I didn’t get to watch him run live but was floored to see it on delay. He is absolutely incredible.
Twitter: 89linz
says:
I actually watched him run on tv with my boyfriend. I was very happy to see his appearance in the games. I think we have come along way but we still have a ways to go.
Lindsay recently posted..Six Flags Theme Parks Tickets Giveaway
Twitter: blm03
says:
We actually had an arguement about this at my house. I agree with you guys that it gave him no advantage.
Lisa recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: The Lorax
Twitter: MomMaven
says:
I enjoyed watching him run.
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Twitter: juliempron
says:
isn’t he just AMAZING? Such a superhero to the world, really.
Twitter: Pamlovesbooks
says:
that story filled me with so much happiness. i wept at his abilities. who cares if he didnt win the race, he’s already a winner!
pammypam recently posted..I Hardly Ever Wash My Hands – TLC book Tour