Why Disabled Athletic Competitions Should Remain Separate

As we approach the 2008 Summer Olympics, the world's focus shifts to athletics. A chance to compete against the world's best, athletes of all different nationalities and sports come together for this amazing event. But there is an issue that has always been brought up, and more so now than ever. Should those athletes who have suffered some sort of devastating injury, or have a debilitating condition be allowed to compete with able-bodied athletes? While disabled athletes are amazing examples of dedication, sportsmanship and courage, there need to be set guidelines in determining competition eligibility. Combining disabled and non disabled athletes could lead to negative affects in the athletic community, as well as lengthy rulings that could hurt everyone.

Many disabled athletes usually use prosthetic aides to help them. During the Summer Olympics, one of the main competitions revolves around Track and Field. In terms of running, prosthetic attachments that consist of curved shock absorbent blades are used. While these take time to get used to, they provide some advantages over natural running. Less energy is used, while more force is delivered to the ground per step, leading to a longer stride. This could lead to slight advantages for disabled athletes. Look at professional track, especially the Olympics. So much emphasis is put on fair competition. Constant drug testing is done to make sure no athlete is giving them self an unfair advantage. Obviously taking steroids and being disabled are far from the same thing, but what happens when they have the same outcome? If a group of athletes were allowed to have an unfair advantage over the rest of the field, it would hurt the competition. There would have to be some sort of system devised to take into account any unfair advantages, of either athlete.

There is also the other side of the coin. If all athletes are seen equal and eligible to compete anywhere, would it be fair for able-bodied athletes to compete at a competition for disabled-only athletes? There would likely be wide objection to this. If all athletes, disabled or not, are to be treated the same, then anyone from either side should be able to compete at any type of competition. What about those disabled athletes that are not world class caliber? Whereas they had an atmosphere for fair competition where they had a chance to be competitive, they could be mocked by able-bodied world class athletes. Because it would be in bad taste for able-bodied athletes to start showing up at Special Olympics, this will never work.

Unfortunately, the idea of disabled and able-bodied athletes competing side by side in world class competitions will probably not happen. I can only imagine how frustrating it most be for those athletes who have overcome so much to be in a position to be world class, but don't have the opportunity to compete. There should be a higher emphasis put on the importance of disabled-athletic competitions. Perhaps the Olympic games should consider holding competitions for disabled athletes, just not mixed with those who are able bodied. This will help those disabled athletes receive the opportunity and support they deserve, while not drawing negative attention to the sport or athletes.