The I.A.A.F ruled that the double-amputee sprinter, who runs on two carbon-fiber blades, was ineligible to qualify for the Olympics. The ruling stated that Pistorius's J-shaped blades were a "technical aid," and could not be used in an able-bodied competition.
The ruling cited a study supervised by Peter Brueggemann, a scientist from the German Sports University in Cologne, which showed that the blades were more efficient from a mechanical standpoint (citing a 90 percent efficiency against a 60 percent rating for a normal foot.) and that they allowed Pistorius to consume less energy than an able-bodied athlete running at the same speed.
Oscar Pistorius asked the Court of Appeal to examine qualification to compete while using of an assistive device, not only in solely biomechanical terms.
"These have always been my legs. I train harder than other guys, eat better, sleep better and wake up thinking about athletics. I think that's probably why I'm a bit of an exception."
There are many disadvantages to sprinting on carbon-fiber legs, Pistorius and his coach said. After a cumbersome start, he needs about 30 meters to gain his rhythm. His knees do not flex as readily, limiting his power output. His grip can be unsure in the rain. And when he runs into a headwind or grows fatigued, he must fight rotational forces that turn his prosthetic devices sideways, said Ampie Louw, who coaches Pistorius.My legs allow me to run, but to win I face the same challenges as every other Olympic runner, and I am asking the Court of Appeal to overturn the decision of the I.A.A.F, so I can compete in the 2008 Olympics.