Olympic Inclusion

As most of you know, the Olympic Summer Games got underway last Friday in London.  It seems the distinction between world of “able bodied” and athletes with disabilities is blurring right before our eyes.  Take Im Dong-hyun from South Korea for example. He set another world record in the archery trials last Friday…breaking his own previous record set back in May of this year.  What makes this story so amazing is this 26 year old is legally blind. With only 10% and 20% vision in his left and right eyes respectively Im says he relies on merely the blurred bright colors he sees on the target.

Or what about Oscar Pistorius, the South African runner poised to make his debut in the 400 meter later this week and is also on the 4x400 relay team.  Nicknamed “The Bladerunner” Pistorius is a double amputee who runs on carbon prosthetics called the Flex Foot Cheetah.  His philosophy is “You are not disabled by your disabilities but abled by your abilities.”  Go Oscar!

Finally, what many don’t realize is that at the conclusion of the Olympic games, come the start of the Paralympic Games when athletes with disabilities (or different abilities!) convene for the best in sport in track and field, swimming, basketball and most of the other venues included in the regular Olympics.  Check out this clip on football (aka futbol or what we call soccer here in the US) and prepare to be amazed!

Do you have a story to share on an athlete with different abilities? Please share your story with us and Happy Olympic watching!