Running against the wind [sports prosthetics]

This paper discusses the implications of recent technological advances in sports prosthetics on the existing rules for various sporting events. The paper points to the record-breaking performance of the double-leg amputee from South Africa, Oscar Pistorius, at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. Fitted with high-tech carbon-fiber artificial running legs, Pistorius became the first leg amputee to run the 200-meter dash in less than 22 seconds. Because it seems likely that Pistorius will one day qualify for able-bodied competitions, current rules may need to be reviewed.