Prosthetic Limbs In Sports

Prosthetic limbs have been in use for thousands of years and have become more and more technologically advanced. Historically, prosthetic limbs have been awkward, uncomfortable, and merely a means of alleviating some of the problems that came with the loss of an arm or a leg (Bidlack), but as science behind prosthetic limbs advances, as do their capabilities to perform like normal limbs would and perform tasks previously unachievable by amputees. With technological advancements, questions arise regarding whether or not prosthetic limbs are actually better and more efficient than our own human bodies. As concerns grow, so does the controversy surrounding the participation of amputee athletes in professional sports sanctioned for able-bodied

Christopher Bidlack, an author of studies involving changes in the use of prosthetics in sports and contributor to sports law studies on Marquette University’s research website, feels that the reason this topic is relevant today is because the technology behind prosthetic limbs has evolved greatly, both in terms of design and materials. Because of this great jump in the quality of prosthetics, American sports entities will soon have to determine whether disabled athletes will be eligible to compete on prosthetic limbs(Bidlack). It is because of this approaching decision that many officials fear the change and outcome of either banning or allowing the use of prosthetics in the sports. Along with this “there is frustration among athletes, but also fears that a liberal approach to enhancements would prove controversial. Double amputees are increasingly running faster than single counterparts as neither leg tires and they can take longer strides, creating a potential incentive to have both removed”(Monks). Meaning that by allowing the use of prosthetic limbs in sports, a moral dilemma could arise regarding an encouraged amputation of both limbs in order to perform better in the sport. The safety of the other athlete is also a major concern for officials. With the design of these prosthetic limbs, officials find them to pose a possible safety hazard to other athletes on the field. One incident occurred when paralympic runner Blake Leeper’s prosthetic limb came off during the paralympic trials as he crossed the finish line(Rubinroit). Many saw this as dangerous to the other athletes on the track as it could possibly lead to their injury. It is clear to see that whether or not amputee athletes can participate in the sports sanctioned for able bodied athletes will pose problems for the future, but with regulations and changes to the