The Inspirational Olympian, Oscar Pistorius

With this year’s Olympic Events taking place, viewers everywhere immerse themselves not only in the competitions, but also in the incredible lives and back stories of the athletes. Because the athletes need so much drive, determination, and dedication to qualify and compete in the Olympic Games, many of them serve as great examples the public can look up to. After all, the competitors in the Olympics relay the motivational message to try your hardest and push yourself to achieve the best.

This year one of the inspirational Olympians who is rousing awareness is Oscar Pistorius, a double amputee who was born without fibulas in his legs. Pistorius, or as he has been nicknamed, “Blade Runner,” is not only able to walk despite his disability, but can also run, and very fast at that. After a lot of training, hard work, and preservation, he has become a talented, successful runner and has made history. Pistorious is the first double amputee to ever compete in the Olympics. He wears Cheetah Flex-Foot carbon-fiber artificial limbs and has successfully grabbed the world records in the 100, 200, and 400 meter races at the Summer Paralympics.

Despite his recent elimination from the 2012 London Olympics, his effort exerted to compete is more significant than the overall outcome of the track. He has a presence that inspires those who are disabled to follow his example. He also gives people with (an even without) disabilities hope that anything is possible if you’re willing to take risks and push yourself.

Overall, Pistorius is living proof of what can be accomplished when your heart, body, and mind are willing to push past any boundaries that may stand in your way.

Which Olympians inspire you? Share your answers with us!