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Lead Stories: Saturday, October 11, 2008

Oscar Pistorius Controversy: Letter from Ossur CEO to IAAF President Lamine Diack

Posted December 18th, 2007 at 5:43 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, SoundOFF, Columns, Olympics

The following letter was sent from Ossur President & CEO, Jon Sigurdsson to the President of the IAAF, Mr. Lamine Diack, stating the prosthetic company’s position on the Oscar Pistorius controversy.

The IAAF is expected to announce this week whether Pistorius, a South African double-amputee who runs with the assistance of Ossur-made prosthetics, will be allowed to compete in the able-bodied Olympics and IAAF-sanctioned events.

Oscar Pistorius Athens 2004 Dear Mr. Diack,

I would like to commend and continue to support the efforts of the IAAF to make an informed decision on the case of bilateral amputee athlete, Oscar Pistorius.

Oscar - on his two carbon fiber “blades” - has challenged the way we all think of amputees and sport. As the innovation leader in advanced prosthetics, we at Ossur are also scratching our heads as we observe the phenomenon that is Oscar Pistorius. Still, Ossur has never questioned those who push themselves further. Our motto, “Life Without Limitations,” is not an idle phrase. We stand behind it in all our actions, and will support those who, like Oscar, dare to act on their dreams.

For Oscar, that dream is the Olympic stage, but what is at play here will affect all amputee athletes who wish to compete against the able-bodied in any IAAF sanctioned event.
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Quote of the Day: 12/07/07

Posted December 7th, 2007 at 8:00 AM by Allyson Rosen

Section: Motivation, Famous Quotes

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”

- Albert Camus

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Podcast 99: JOSH COX on Faith, Love, Hope … and the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials

Posted October 31st, 2007 at 6:00 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Motivation, Olympics, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts

Episode 99 of The Final Sprint Podcast, the most listened to running podcast in North America, features my interview with American marathoner and Olympic hopeful JOSH COX.

In the interview Cox offers intimate details about his absence from racing and the emotionally and mentally trying journey that began in late 2005 when his father was diagnosed with cancer. Cox went to care for his father, ceased most of his training, and was by his side until he passed away in July 2006. Although a painful journey, it also led to a once unthinkable metamorphosis; enabling the father and son to repair what had been a tumultuous relationship and find forgiveness, as Cox says, “On this side of eternity”.

His personal and athletic life now back on track, Cox is ready to “let it rip” at Sunday’s U.S. Olympic Men’s Marathon Trials; a race he says he’ll been running for both his Heavenly and earthly fathers.

Download the podcast to hear Cox discuss these experiences, the Trials, as well as, having his “butt handed to him daily” when he arrived in Mammoth, the “adventure” of earning his qualifier at the Air Force Marathon, what he believes is the “true gold” in athletics, his new video about Ryan Hall on GodTube, and Team Running USA: their strong group dynamic despite stark contrasts in personalities and how a common faith binds them together.

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Host: Adam Jacobs | Guest: Josh Cox
Producers: Greg Cherniet, Adam Jacobs
Musicians: Ryan Ahlwardt, Darnell Perkins
File Size: 25.0 MB | Length: 36:26 MIN

Episode sponsored by:
Camelbak - the originator and leader in hands-free hydration.

To learn more Camelbak Elixir, their effective, easy-to-use and portable electrolyte beverage, as well as Camelbak’s running specific hydration systems, please visit www.camelbak.com.