Flying Blades!!

In an Olympics that will see convicted drug cheats compete, a Kenyan steeplechaser who probably stabbed someone, and an 800m women’s favourite who might be a dude, it seems rather callous and unnecessary that the greatest source of controversy and debate in the lead up to the athletics is a man with no legs. Cruel, much? But then, when it comes to Oscar Pistorius, perhaps nothing should surprise us anymore.

His performances and achievements speak for themselves – unfortunately, his artificial sprinting blades do not. If they did, perhaps we would finally have an answer to the question that has dogged his entire career – whether he has an unfair advantage or not. Scientists and analysts far smarter than I (well, a little bit smarter at least) were unable to definitively find an answer. Last week, the esteemed Michael Johnson weighed in, saying he is against Oscar running. Some athletes agree, while on the other hand some are in full favour of his competing. Opinion in the wider athletic world is just as divided.

While I’d have no problem with a runner with artificial limbs if we knew it wasn’t an assistance, there are a fair few questions hanging over Oscar Pistorius. Until they are answered, it’s hard to definitively back his participation. I don’t care if it makes me sound harsh, but there is no room for sentiment in sport. Just as David Beckham found, just as Chris Hoy found, there is no way a good story can stand in the way of success.

Therein, however, lies the crux of it. He’s not going to win, and as long as he isn’t going to win, it’s fine. That, unfortunately, is the truth. You’d better believe that if LaShawn Merritt, Kirani James or any of the other top competitors felt there was even the slightest chance that The Fastest Man On No Legs could challenge them at the top, they sure as hell wouldn’t be as cool with it all. But Pistorius has never broken 45 seconds; the bottom line is that he could have fucking pogo sticks attached to his knees, but if he’s clocking over 45 seconds there’s nothing to worry about.

Sure, there’s a bloke in South Africa who reckons his spot has been taken, but guess what? He wouldn’t win either. Moeng Lebogang - or whoever else would take his place – doesn’t have a hope in hell of winning the thing. And it really makes no odds whether you have blades for legs, guns for arms or a baseball for a head; in sport, if you won’t win, you won’t matter.

So enjoy. Godspeed, Blade Runner. Because if you can do this, maybe KG was right…