Prosthetics to help disabled outperform Olympians

[August 28, 2012]  LONDON (AP) -- Oscar Pistorius made history last month when he became the first double-amputee to compete at the Olympics.

While the South African "Blade Runner" didn't make the medals podium, it's probably only a matter of time before Pistorius or another disabled runner triumphs.

Many experts predict Paralympians will soon be outperforming their able-bodied counterparts, thanks in part to future developments in prosthetics.

Bryce Dyer, an engineering design expert focusing on elite sport at Bournemouth University says the technology "will only improve."

He adds that the breakthrough made by Pistorius will spur other disabled athletes to go even further, perhaps using more advanced prosthetics.

[Associated Press; By MARIA CHENG]

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