Oscar Pistorius (born November 22, 1986) is a South African Paralympic runner. Known as the "Blade Runner" and "the fastest man on no legs", Pistorius is the double amputee world record holder in the 100, 200 and 400 metres events and runs with the aid of carbon fibre transtibial artificial limbs. His artificial lower legs, while enabling him to compete, have also generated claims that he has an unfair advantage over able-bodied runners. In 2007, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) amended its competition rules to ban the use of "any technical device that incorporates springs, wheels or any other element that provides a user with an advantage over another athlete not using such a device". It claimed that the amendment was not specifically aimed at Pistorius. After monitoring his track performances using high-definition cameras and analyzing the information, scientists determined that Pistorius enjoyed considerable advantages over athletes without prosthetic limbs. On the strength of these findings, on 14 January 2008 the IAAF ruled him ineligible for competitions conducted under its rules, including the 2008 Summer Olympics. Pistorius is likely to appeal the decision.

On 13 July 2007, Pistorius ran in the 400-metre B-race at the Golden Gala in Rome and was placed second with a time of 46.90 seconds. Two days later, on 15 July 2007, he ran in the 400-metre race at the Norwich Union British Grand Prix at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield. Pistorius finished last in wet conditions and was later disqualified for running out of his lane.