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Lead Stories: Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Letter to the Editor from Oscar Pistorius’ Prosthetist

Posted April 3rd, 2007 at 5:08 PM by Adam Jacobs

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

This morning I received a letter by Trevor Brauckmann, the prosthetisit for top amputee runner and Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius.

The letter, published below with Mr. Brauckmann’s permission, is in response to the controvery surrounding Oscar’s potential competition in the able-bodied Olympics and the IAAF’s recent ruling on “technical aids”.

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Open letter to the Editor:

I have been following with interest and dismay the furor around Oscar Pistorius qualifying for the able body Olympics. I am currently involved with the making of Oscar’s prosthesis’s and have been involved in the making of prosthetics since 1985.

It is my opinion that a lot is being made of the “advantage” that he has with his ”carbon fiber blades” and not enough is said about the disadvantages that he and other disabled athletes faces. I further believe that the world is not ready to face the fact that a disabled athlete can be competitive with able bodied athletes.
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Podcast 33: Interview with Brian Frasure; Paralympic runner and Ossur prosthetist

Posted April 1st, 2007 at 12:52 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts

Episode 33 of The Final Sprint Podcast features my interview with Brian Frasure; one of the world’s premier Paralympic sprinters, a motivational speaker, a certified prosthetist for Ossur and a true inspiration to athletes around the world.

Brian’s dominance has gone unmatched for more than a decade now. He has set several world records, won a multitude of medals and his performances have permanently elevated the level of Paralympic competition.

In the interview Brian speaks about the tragic accident that changed his life forever, beating the odds to become an elite Paralympic athlete, and his decision to delay retirement.

In light of the IAAF’s recent decision regarding the use of “technical aids” and the accomplishments of Oscar Pistorius, Brian addresses the notion that prosthetics can provide amputee runners with an unfair advantage over their able-bodied peers.

Download the podcast to hear Brian discuss these topics, a comparison between single and double-leg amputee runners, Marlon Shirley, working for Ossur and his advice for others facing major challenges.

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Host: Adam Jacobs
Guest: Brian Frasure
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Music: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File size: 17.7 MB
Length: 00:25:54