Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means you’ve decided to look beyond your imperfections. -Unknown
The recently concluded Olympic Games were a success, but that depend on who you talk to. There were tears of joy and tears of disappointment.
Many Olympians spent most of the last four years training—training really hard to get to the games. Some set their expectations very high. Anything less than a gold medal is considered a complete failure–a bust, and a letdown. Still, many were satisfied that they got the chance to compete.
One such athlete is Oscar Pistorius, (or Blade Runner, as he is also called) of South Africa. He was elated that he finally got the chance to compete at the Olympics; to show off his talents. Pistorius spent the better part of eight years fighting weighted red tapes and barriers designed to prevent him from competing against world class able bodied athletes. Barred from competing at the Beijing Olympics, Pistorius kept fighting, and in the summer of 2012 he got the chance to fulfill his life long dream.
The Pistorius story is singularly fascinating and inspiring. We will remember it for many years to come. He was born without a fibula in either leg.
Both of his legs were later amputated below the knee when he was eleven months. But Pistorius learnt to look beyond his imperfections and be content with who he is.
“I grew up in a household with my elder brother, Carl, where my mother didn’t ever mention my disability,” Pistorius says.
“She didn’t treat me any differently. She was probably harder on me because of it and she never let me pity myself.
“She said to me: ‘Carl puts on his shoes in the morning and you put on your legs, and that’s the last I want to hear about it’.”
“People ask why I want to run in the Olympics, what am I trying to prove,” Pistorius says.
“Well, I just want to prove to myself that I am the best I can be.
Oscar Pistorius of South Africa (or Blade Runner, as he is also called) did get the chance prove to himself and the world, that he is a world-class athlete. He silenced his critics when he ran in the men’s 400-meters race as well as the 4×400 meters relay in London, making history as the first double amputee to compete in the Olympic Games. And though Pistorius did not medal in his events, he told reporters that his experience in London had been “phenomenal.
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- Blade Runner reflects on historic event (iol.co.za)
Let's Talk Gospel 
This is truly a very inspirational story. Great job on the write up!
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Thank you so much for your support Sakira. Oscar Pistorius story is positively inspiring. I was profoundly touched by it. He did not allow his imperfections to stand in the way of his dreams.
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Excellent!
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Thank you so much for your comment Tom. Imperfection is not a valid reason not to succeed.
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Great inspiring story — although I cannot imagine why they cut his legs off. I liked his mother’s attitude too!
God Bless You!
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Thank you so much for your comment Lady D. I was greatly touched by Pistorius steadfastness and belief in himself. He is a perfect example that anybody can succeed despite their imperfections. You just have to work a little harder.
I believe the reason his legs were amputated is, what he had could not support his body.
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Inspiring, yes, and a good motivation for us to overcome smaller obastacles.
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Indeed! Pistorius is a living example that imperfection is not a valid reason
to fail. He also proved that temporary setback is not failure.
Thank you so much Angela, for your comment. God blesses.
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What an inspirational story! He didn’t let his disability define him. Instead he found the fortitude to overcome his disability.
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Indeed! I am so happy for him that it feels like I have known him all his life. Pistorius has helped me realized that imperfections are barriers that anybody can overcome if they work hard enough.
Thank you so much for stopping by Teresa. God blesses.
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What a great blog! I was amazed watching Pistorius run, and I am so glad you were focused on the success, not the amputee part. Being happy with the me I have become is a challenge at times, because I am opening up and learning trust. But I have to say it’s good to hear about others! Thanks!
Fran
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Pistorius is a winner in my book. He deserve all the gold medals that were issued at the Olympic Games. The Bible says blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Pistorius went to the Olympics as an unknown and left as a hero without winning a medal.
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This was simply wonderful….how liberating that we just need to be the best us that we can be…..like Pistorious who acheived what he could by trying his very best. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thank you so much for stopping by my friend. Pistorius is an amazing and inspiring athlete. He is a living example of what hard work and belief in oneself can do. Our limitations are temporary barriers. We can overcome them if we work hard enough.
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