The guy known for competing in the Olympics with "fake legs" was Oscar Pistorius.
Oscar Pistorius, a former South African runner, gained international fame as the first amputee to participate in the Olympic Games. He used specialized carbon-fiber prosthetic blades, often referred to as "flex-foot Cheetahs," which earned him the nickname "Blade Runner."
His Historic Olympic Appearance
Pistorius made history at the 2012 London Olympics, competing in both the 400-meter sprint and the 4x400-meter relay. His inclusion sparked debates about the fairness and potential advantage of his prosthetics over biological legs, but he was ultimately cleared to compete by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Key facts about his Olympic journey:
- Athlete: Oscar Pistorius
- Nationality: South African
- Sport: Track and Field (Sprints)
- Olympic Debut: London 2012
- Significance: First amputee to compete at the Olympic Games
- Equipment: Carbon-fiber prosthetic running blades
Beyond the Track
Pistorius's athletic career was tragically overshadowed by a legal case. In 2013, he was involved in the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, for which he was later convicted of murder. This event led to the end of his public career as an athlete.
Here's a quick overview of his profile:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Oscar Pistorius |
| Born | November 22, 1986 |
| Country | South Africa |
| Sport | Athletics (Sprints) |
| Olympic Year | 2012 (London) |
| Key Achievement | First amputee to compete in the Olympic Games |
| Later Life | Convicted for the 2013 murder of Reeva Steenkamp |
For more information on his athletic background, you can explore resources like Biography.com's profile of Oscar Pistorius.
