German federation drops amputee long jumper from team due to unfair advantage

Published February 05, 2015

The German athletics federation has excluded an amputee long jumper from its team for the upcoming European Championships, saying his carbon-fiber prosthesis gives him an unfair advantage.

Paralympic champion Markus Rehm won the long jump at the German nationals last weekend with an effort of 27 feet, 1/2 inch.

Federation president Clemens Prokop says there is "significant doubt" that jumps with a prosthesis and with a natural joint are comparable.

Prokop says biometric measurements showed that Rehm's prosthesis might give him an unfair "catapult effect" that allows him longer jumps.

Other experts and Rehm have questioned the measuring method.

Rehm, whose right leg was amputated below the knee, says he is considering fighting the decision. The Euros take place in Zurich from Aug. 12-17.

South African double-amputee runner Oscar Pistorius went to court to become eligible for the 2012 London Olympics.

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