Oscar Pistorius

(http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/oscar-pistorius ())

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have with you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world"(Harriet Tubman). These words once said by Harriet Tubman epitomize the life of sprinter Oscar Pistorius. As a subject of double below-the-knee amputations, Pistorius inspires people to pursue their dreams no matter how colossal the obstacles they face. He seemed like a normal, healthy baby when born on November 22, 1986, in Johannesburg, South Africa. However, upon closer inspection, his parents and doctors realized that Pistorius had been born bereft of one of the two lower leg bones called the fibula. As a result, when he was only 11 months old, Pistorius underwent a major operation to have both lower-legs amputated. Despite facing daunting obstacles at such a young age, Pistorius grew up playing various sports and in high school, joined the school rugby team. One day while playing rugby, Pistorius was injured and shattered the bones in his knee. In order to recuperate, he had to endure physical therapy, during which he had his first introduction to the sport of track and field. Pistorius's prodigious talent as a sprinter quickly became apparent. After training for only 8 months, he won a gold medal at the 2004 Paralympic Games at age 17. Recently, during the London 2012 Olympics, Pistorius made history by becoming the first ever disabled athlete to compete in the Olympic Games. By definition, disabled people are unable or unfit, but Pistorius's triumphs despite adversity prove that he is anything but unable. Oscar Pistorius's accomplishments on the track culminate in countless medals and awards, but his heroism lies in his ability to always overcome life's obstacles with relentless courage, humility, and determination.

(https://twitter.com/OscarPistorius ())

The courage with which Pistorius acts has led to his successful and fulfilling life. It can be hard enough for many to get out of bed some mornings, but even as a disabled child, Pistorius strapped on his prosthetics and hit the ground running: "Born without a fibula in either leg, Oscar Pistorius set out to excel in mainstream athletics"("Oscar Pistorius"). Imagine a kid who looks strange compared to the other kids on the playground and who feels like an outcast. They would feel like they were missing something. Like there was something wrong with them. Most people would expect that kid to grow up to be shy and less outgoing, yet Pistorius lives his life to the fullest, racing at the Olympics one day and working with disabled children the next. For each individual, there are certain tasks which require them to act with courage, and for Pistorius, one of those tasks was to try out for the Olympics where: "expectations were not high. But Pistorius stunned the track world Saturday when he made it through to the semifinals"(Borden, Sam). For a disabled athlete, the decision to try out for the Olympics would be twice as intimidating, since they would be competing against world class athletes, who are not only completely able-bodied, but also possibly have had experience competing at the Olympics. Despite this, Pistorius fearlessly stepped onto the track, took his place at the starting blocks, and sprinted his way to the semifinals. Acts of courage are commonly associated with perilous situations, but for some, courage can be required just to step outside with a pair of shorts on.

(http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/08/coming_ ())

           As an exemplary sportsman, one of Pistorius's most prominent traits is his humility. Despite the imperfect circumstances of his life,self pity is not a part of who he is. This can be seen when he says: "disabilities are just another thing that makes us interesting and unique"("Caitlin Meets Oscar Pistorius"). Pistorius would have every reason to grumble about the atrocious state of his life and body. However, he sees what is usually surrounded by negative connotations as something that basks him in a positive light. Pistorius's humble attitude shines especially bright when competing: "seconds after finishing last in a race he had dreamed about for years, Pistorius did not look disappointed. He was beaming. 'As soon as we crossed the line, we're friends,' Pistorius said. 'It's what the Olympics is all about'"(Borden, Sam). Olympians dedicate their lives to train for the Olympics, yet Pistorius refused to feel disheartened after a major letdown which flushed all his hard work down the drain. He looked past his loss and only felt happiness for his competitors. It is not only Pistorius's achievements which make him a hero, but also the modest light he presents himself in.

(http://www.newmobility.com/articleView.cfm?id=1194 ())

Pistorius's determination is one of his significant traits as a hero. His unconstrained perseverance began when he was just a toddler: "His handicap hardly slowed his large interest in sports, which spanned from cricket to wrestling to boxing"("Oscar Pistorius"). Although he had to strap on prosthetic legs instead of shoes, Pistorius has never let his legless state faze him. He pushed past his own boundaries by not only walking but also playing a variety of sports, set his heart out on a goal, and didn't stop until his dreams reached fulfillment. One of those dreams was to compete at the Olympics: "he set his sights on competing against able-bodied athletes"(Zyl, Peet Van) and "focused his training on making the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London"("Oscar Pistorius"). Not many people can boast of achieving their lifelong dreams, but that is because they dream but do not act. Oscar Pistorius has undeniably earned his success with persistent hard work and determination to see his dreams through. This determination and sheer will to persevere has inspired millions to follow in Pistorius's heroic footsteps.

           With undying resolve and a positive spirit, Oscar Pistorius inspires millions to believe that: "You are not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have". Through the effortless way he has overcome the heart wrenching impediments he faced while growing up, Pistorius inspires people to chase their dreams no matter how dubious they may seem. If I were to ask a double below-the-knee amputee what they did for a living, the last reply that I would expect would be athlete. "Athlete" and  "requires prosthetics to walk" seem like two opposing statements, yet Pistorius does not just walk. He sprints. As a kid, losing a prized possession or even just a toy can often be too much to bear, yet Oscar Pistorius lost both legs when only 11 months old. For most people, just the thought of losing a single limb puts shivers down our spines. Would we ever be able to face the world again with a missing arm or leg? A woman named Carol Payne had a friend go through this unimaginable tragedy: "I noticed my friend's husband sporting a pair of shorts. Nothing unusual about that, you might think. But here was a man who, having lost both legs in a motorbike accident some twenty-five years previously, was for the very first time, wearing shorts and displaying his prosthetics and being proud of them" - Carol Payne(Zyl, Peet Van). Her friend had always been too embarrassed to flaunt his weakness, but seeing Pistorius act so unabashedly, completely reversed his mindset. As a true hero, Oscar Pistorius inspires millions, including myself, to reach for the stars by dedicating ourselves and putting in the hard work to seeing our dreams through.

                                                     Works Cited

Borden, Sam. "Pistorius Misses Chance at Final, but Remains Upbeat." New York
            Times 6 Aug. 2012: D7(L). Gale Biography In Context. Web. 4 Dec. 2012.
"Caitlin Meets Oscar Pistorius." Interview by Kwazinkosi
            Nkoma. Www.oscarpistorius.com. In-Site Athlete Management (Pty) Ltd, 23 Nov.
            2012. Web. 10 Dec. 2012. .
"Oscar Pistorius." Gale Biography in Context. Detroit: Gale, 2008. Gale Biography In
           Context. Web. 3 Dec. 2012.
"Oscar Pistorius." 2012. The Biography Channel website. Dec 10 2012,        09:52.
            .
Zyl, Peet Van. "Oscar Pistorius - Official Website." Oscar Pistorius. In-Site Athlete
            Management (Pty) Ltd, 12 Apr. 2009. Web. 10 Dec. 2012.