BU Research Blog

For years debate has circulated around Oscar Pistorius and allowing him to compete in able bodied events at the Olympics when he may or may not have an unfair advantage.  Most recently he sparked further debate himself in the criticisms of the length of Alan Oliveira’s blades directly after his defeat in the 200m Paralympic final.  So what’s the difference? Does running on prosthetics give you an advantage over the able bodied, or simply level the playing field? Can longer blades give you the advantage over the other competitors?

Cafe Scientifique’s second event, coming up on Tuesday 6th Novemeber, Bryce Dyer, a senior lecturer in Product Design at Bournemouth University, will attempt to answer some of these questions.

Bryce will discuss and explore the recent controversy surrounding the use of prosthetic limbs in elite sport, what we know, what we don’t and how what was once initially seen as disability is now redefining sport as we know it, before allowing you time to ask him any questions you may have.