The participation of Oscar Pistorius at both the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics has been, at times, controversial. Yet technology used by above-the-knee amputees is also causing a stir at London 2012…
Sometimes having no legs is better than having one.
EPA/Jonathan Brady
There has been a considerable amount of media coverage surrounding South African amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius who competed at the London Olympics and is now competing at the London Paralympics.
The…
Alan Oliveira came from behind to beat Oscar Pistorius, sparking further debate about the effect of prosthetic legs.
Andy Rain/EPA
“Blade Runner” Oscar Pistorius is no stranger to controversy.
This morning in London (AEST) the South African athlete was involved in a remarkable race at the Paralympics, the men’s 200m – T44 final…
Oilveira’s come-from-behind victory raises questions about the advantages provided by prosthetic legs.
Julian Stratenschulte/EPA
In a major upset, Alan Oliveira of Brazil beat Oscar Pistorius to win an extraordinary T43/44 200 metre race today. But did Oliveira have an unfair advantage?
The 20-year-old Brazilian finished ahead…
Australia’s Jacqueline Freney celebrates after the Women’s 100m Backstroke on August 30.
Kerim Okten/EPA
As I peered out of a frosted Canberra window with child-like amazement at the gossamer snowflakes cascading from the muted grey sky, I thought of my friend training in the warm Swiss sun in preparation…
The Paralympics might be more popular than ever, but do disabled people see and feel the benefits?
Adam Scotti
Sport is seen as important for the quality of life, self-esteem, independence and social integration of people with disabilities, and the Paralympics are one expression of this importance. But what effect…
Are individuals disabled by a society that doesn’t accommodate difference?
philippe leroyer
By Erin O'Brien, Queensland University of Technology
Australians love a good sports story about a hero overcoming adversity. Track cyclist Anna Meares’ gold medal in London was all the more impressive given her recovery from a life-threatening neck injury…
Artificial leg wearers tend to fare better than “wheelchair-bound” athletes in the media.
Jason Verwey
We all know the media is influential. We also know the media’s portrayal of disability issues and disabled people is uneven. Such biases are also evident in the portrayal of the technology employed by…
Australian Paralympian Kurt Fearnley has unparalleled exposure as a Paralympic athlete.
AAP
When triple Paralympic gold mediallist Evan O'Hanlon steps up to the track for the 100m this week, you might notice something odd about his racing apparel. The 24-year-old, who is Australia’s fastest disabled…
When it comes to design and performance, all wheelchairs are not created equally.
April Fonti/AAP
Equipment such as wheelchairs or prosthesis is fundamental in allowing some people with disabilities to carry out the tasks of daily living. But in the endeavour to go higher, faster and longer, athletes…
“Blade Runner’s” selection for the London Olympics has made sporting history.
RAINER JENSEN/EPA
Oscar Pistorius – the South African double amputee athlete known as Blade Runner – will run at the at the London Olympics. Until a week ago, his hopes of inclusion in the South African Olympic team looked…
