IPC Media Statement – Men’s 200m T44

In IPC Athletics rules are in place regarding prosthesis length for lower leg amputees.

Since 2010 athletes competing at IPC international competitions have been checked at regular occasions in the Call Room prior to participation.

At the London 2012 Paralympic Games all athletes competing in T42/43/44 events (above knee and below knee lower leg amputees) have had their prosthesis measured against the IPC Athletics Rules.

This evening all athletes competing in the Men’s 200m T44 final were checked by international classifiers in the Call Room ahead of the race. All were within the regulations outlined in the IPC Athletics Classification Handbook.

After the race Oscar Pistorius requested a meeting with the IPC where he voiced his concerns.

Craig Spence, IPC Communications Director, said: “Oscar raised a concern with the IPC regarding the rules on the length of prosthesis in T43/44 events.

“We agreed to meet with him at a later date so that he could raise his questions in a formal environment away from the emotion of the stadium.

“The IPC respects the significant role Oscar has played in raising the global profile of Paralympic Sport since his Games debut in 2004. Therefore we are more than willing to give him an opportunity to air his views in a non-emotional environment at a meeting to be organised at a later date.”