Double amputee wants to compete in Olympics

[sartre 0]

An interesting story, on many levels.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/15/sports/othersports/15runner.html?ex=1181448000&en=b0018c58044c7832&ei=5070

[jtval 0]

Those cheetas Look crazy.

As odd as it sounds he may have an advantage over the "Able-bodied" athletes. It's be interesting to see if he makes it in

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[sartre 0]

The only way I can see it being an advantage is that his prosthetics weigh less than other runners' limbs. I really don't think he has a mechanical advantage at all.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I just wish I could get someone like him to come and visit some of my patients who think they should give up after a catastrophic accident.

He's got my respect, that's for sure.

[jtval 0]

Absolutely impressive. I don't know but by looking at the J-legs they look very springy, either way I am sure there will be controversy involved with his story...as usual.

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[Zing 2]

I saw an article about this guy about a week ago. He deserves admiration for going for it. I would have no problem with him making a slot on the Olympic Team.
I suspect the Olympic Committee will almost have to rule against him because of the possible mechanical advantage some will claim he has. In the video, he makes running on those prothesises (prothesi?) look easy, but i'm betting it's not.
He's a runaway medal winner if he enters the Olympics for the Disabled, though.

Sartre, ever hear of Dana Bowman? He's your man for inspiring your patients. Dana is the only Army Golden Knight to return to active jump status following the loss of both legs in a horrendous mid-air collision.

Dana is partially sponsored to travel around and jump into events where he does motivational speaking. He also learned to fly after his accident and holds a ticket-full of fixed-wing and rotary-wing licenses and ratings, including the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor.

I've flown the airplane for a few of his demos when he's been in Arizona, and he's an inspirational sort of guy. PM me if you want his contact info.

Zing Lurks

[Gawain 0]

He's got his knees...papercuts....

Seriously, I've heard of a few guys from the Para-lympics hoping to ascend to the Olympics, but one issue I've heard talked about (especially double amputees) is that they add a couple-or-four inches to their height with their prosthetics. It ends up giving them a mechanical advantage.

Aside from that, the Cheetahs, and other running feet (I hvae a Flex-foot from Ossur, same mfr) look like they'd be amazing to run on, but they barely return 90% of energy input. Whereas, a regular runner can get up to 200% return from their own limbs.

It's pretty hard to measure any of that as fair competition.

The legs are lighter, but that lighter weight can actually screw up your stride. Having a little weight can strengthen the run, and allow the running gait to have a more natural feel. His condition is congenital though, so he's not known what it's like to have feet.

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[Butters 0]

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I really don't think he has a mechanical advantage at all.

You should study the advancements that have been made in prosthetic limbs ... he most definitely has a mechanical advantage.

Edit: I shouldn't say "he most definitely" because I don't know what type of prosthetic limb he has.

"That looks dangerous." Leopold Stotch

[Jib 0]

My hat's off to the guy. What he's doing is incredible.

Perhaps someone can enlighten me as to what they mean by energy input @ 240% vs 90%? I didn't think you could create energy?

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the depth of his depravity sickens me.
-- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt

[Gawain 0]

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My hat's off to the guy. What he's doing is incredible.

Perhaps someone can enlighten me as to what they mean by energy input @ 240% vs 90%? I didn't think you could create energy?

When you run with your own two legs, when you're pushing off in your stride, your foot is returning the same energy as your leg (think "proactive"). The prosthetics can only "react" to the energy put into it, and then, the return of energy is less than what the leg puts into it.

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[sartre 0]

Quote

Quote

I really don't think he has a mechanical advantage at all.

You should study the advancements that have been made in prosthetic limbs ... he most definitely has a mechanical advantage.

Edit: I shouldn't say "he most definitely" because I don't know what type of prosthetic limb he has.

Well, being a physical therapist assistant, I'm a little bit familiar with prosthetics, as well as length/tension ratio, the effects of a longer lever, etc.

But I'm certainly no expert. I think Gawain's done a pretty good job of explaining advantage vs disadvantage, and since he has real life experience, he's definately the resident expert.

Thanks for you contribution Gawain; this article immediately made me think of you and I was hoping for your take on things.