In the 1980s, Canadian Arnie Boldt competed in university-level high jump. His Paralympic record has stood since 1981 -- however he jumped higher in non-amputee events that were not recognized by the International Paralympic Committee.

In 1976, an amputee pistol shooter was stopped from competing in the Montreal Olympics because the shooter who came in third place at the trial event complained about his prosthesis. It took three years for the International Shooting Federation to make a decision thus denying the athlete the opportunity to compete.

I, myself, was banned from competing locally by the International Powerlifting Federation from 1998-2001 because my prosthesis was determined as a "foreign piece of equipment."

Controversy in Daegu

The interpretation of the rules says as much about the person interpreting them as it does about the inadequacy of the rules.

To gauge Canadian perception one may read online responses to the Aug. 29 editorial in the Globe and Mail. Needless to say there are countless instant experts out there who have determined that Oscar Pistorius has somehow diluted the purity of sport, that whilst an "emotional response is guaranteed," the reality is he should be with his "own kind."

Yet there are lots of positive responses saying this is an athlete that should be "celebrated" as the G&M editorial states.

As a divisive issue within the world of sport, none breaks the finishing tape more abruptly than Oscar Pistorius.

Controversy still reigns as Oscar was left out of the 4x400m final in Daegu, despite qualifying and setting a new South African record. The IAAF determined that it would be too dangerous for Oscar to run anything but the first leg of the relay and the South African team determined whoever had the slowest time in the heat would be replaced. The South African placed second behind U.S.A. running a slightly slower time than in the heat with Pistorius. The man with carbon fibre legs still receives a silver medal due to being part of the relay team.

Running to an ideal place

For now, the powers that be are forced to admit Pistorius has no clear advantage or disadvantage. All things being equal there is no better place for Pistorius to be.

As a Paralympian and an amputee of some 35 years, I personally celebrate the mere existence of Oscar Pistorius. I love the controversy he has generated. Too often in the world of sport we are faced with the banal and self-interested. The interviews with Pistorius show us what sport is missing, a modicum of modesty and the feeling of honour in being simply present (here's a recent video example).

We should all be celebrating Oscar. He has been a long time in the making.

We should be breaking down the walls that make this man either disadvantaged or with an advantage -- for he can't be both.