Pistorius Saga: The Wise Words of Pierre Weiss

Jesus H. Christ. It sounds like those grumpy athletic officials really, really dislike Oscar Pistorius. How can you explain the following statement by IAAF General Secretary Pierre Weiss:

The decision by CAS (the Court of Arbitration in Sport which allowed Pistorius to compete with able-bodied runners) applies to all athletics events. But if he runs in the pack, there’s a risk that he or another athlete will fall.

Of course Pierre, it’s a running competition. There’s always the risk that a runner will fall. But it’s hard to see how Pistorius falling will be any different from any other athlete falling. Here’s Weiss and his very “wise” words again:

The South Africans have qualified without Pistorius and if they take him they are going to have to remove another relay runner.

It’s a decision that rests with the officials of the federation and the South African Olympic Committee, but we’d prefer that they don’t select him for reasons of safety.

Eh? Watchu doing there Pierre? Trying to meddle in a National Olympic Committee’s affairs? If South Africa has the right to pick him, which they have, then they can pick him. It is their business.

There are much bigger problems in athletics — drugs, cheaters, drugs, cheaters, drugs – so I’m quite befuddled with officials who, instead of addressing these problems, are wasting their time worrying about the probability that Pistorius will stumble while running.