LONDON, (Reuters) – Single amputee Jerome Singleton studied physics so he could learn how to master the use of his prosthetic leg, having been born without a fibula.
It was never a hindrance to the 26-year-old, who was at one stage in the top 100 American college football prospects, and is now among the quickest Paralympic sprinters on the planet.
Silver medallist in the 100 metres four years ago, this time round he will do battle against holder Oscar Pistorius, world record pacesetter Jonnie Peacock of Britain, compatriot Blake Leeper and Arnu Fourie. He expects big things.
“This is going to be some of the best amputee sprinting you’ve ever seen. Period,” he told Reuters, overlooking the Houses of Parliament on the banks of the River Thames.
“When you look at the Olympics there was Usain Bolt. But when you come to the Paralympics there are about six individuals within a tenth of a second of each other. It’s going to be an epic final.”
South African Pistorius, dubbed the ‘Blade Runner’ for the two carbon fibre prosthetic blades he uses after being born without a fibula in both legs, said he has lost sight of the 100 event, but Singleton was not convinced.
“I think Oscar said that because it gives him an out. Oh, he’s going to be prepared,” he said with a knowing grin, adding the race could be anyone’s on the day.
“If you slip up, take a wrong step, it’s going to be bad. You’ve got to be up on that particular day, at that particular time.”
Singleton turned down athletics scholarships from various colleges to focus on his studies having been offered a full academic scholarship, during which time he learnt more about his condition.
His right leg was amputated below the knee when he was aged 18 months, but there was no stopping the American.
“I took mathematics and applied physics so I could learn more about myself. So I read about walking and running limbs.
“Now I can go out and change someone’s perceptions on life in 10-11 seconds,” he said.
