Disease Proof : Disease Proof : Health & Nutrition News & Commentary : Dr. Joel Fuhrman

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After much ado, Oscar Pistorius a double-amputee sprinter, who runs on specially designed metal blades, has been cleared to compete for a place in the Beijing Olympics. The Associated Press reports:

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that the 21-year-old South African is eligible to race against able-bodied athletes, overturning a ban imposed by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

CAS said the unanimous ruling goes into effect immediately.

"I am ecstatic," Pistorius told reporters in Milan, Italy. "When I found out, I cried. It is a battle that has been going on for far too long. It's a great day for sport. I think this day is going to go down in history for the equality of disabled people."

Pistorius still must reach a qualifying time to run in the individual 400 meters at the Aug. 8-24 Beijing Games. However, he can be picked for the South African relay squad without qualifying. That relay squad has not yet qualified for the Olympics.

Pistorius appealed to CAS, world sport's highest tribunal, to overturn a Jan. 14 ruling by the IAAF that banned him from competing. The IAAF said his carbon fiber blades give him a mechanical advantage.

I’ve been following Oscar’s situation and he’s become a hero of mine—GO BLADE RUNNER! Check out Oscar in action at the 2007 Golden Gala in Rome:


If you ever needed inspiration to get out there and exercise—be it running or anything else—just think of Oscar Pistorius. DiseaseProof is rooting for you Oscar!