BLADE RUNNER

Over the weekend at the 2012 London Olympics, Oscar Pistorius, a 400m sprinter from South African placed last in his semi-final heat with a time of 46.54 seconds, far below his personal best of 45.07. While he did not win a medal, Oscar had achieved his goal - to qualify for the Olympics. He ran fast enough in the quarter finals to qualify for the semis.

In the elimination race, World Champion Kerani James of Grenada honored Oscar by exchanging name bibs with him. Other runners in the heat embraced him for his effort. It was evident Oscar Pistorius was first in the hearts of his fellow athletes as well as the people in the stands. He will complete again Thursday, representing his country in the 4x400 relay.

All this would not be so surprising, except that Oscar, age 26, is a double amputee. He was born with a congenital condition that resulted in the amputation of both legs midway between ankle and knee at age eleven months. Despite his disability, he played several sports before settling on track. Oscar now holds his country's national records in 100m, 200m, and 400m events. He also won Gold Medals in 2008 Paralympics in those races, setting world records.

This is not Oscar at the Paralympics. That will happen after the London Games are over. In the 2012 Olympics, Oscar has competed against the world's best athletes as the first disabled runner ever to qualify. His nickname, "Blade Runner," comes from the carbon fiber metal feet on which he runs. His family members, including his 89 year-old grandmother, will again be in the stands cheering him on.

"I praise you, O God, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:14)

Oscar's story makes this Bible verse take on a slightly different meaning, doesn't it?