Oscar Pistorius – No. 484

Oscar Pistorius is a South African sprinter and Paralympics gold medalist. Known as the “Blade Runner” and “the fastest man on no legs,” Pistorius, who has a double below-knee amputation, is the world record holder for T44 in the 100, 200 and 400 meters. He runs with the aid of Cheetah Flex-Foot carbon fiber artificial limbs. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, the amazing Pistorius became the first double-leg amputee to participate in the Olympics.

One of my favorite Olympic moments was when Grenada teenager Kirani James asked Pistorius to exchange name bibs with him after their 400-meter semifinal (in which Pistorius was eliminated). It was a touching gesture and a gracious show of respect. James went on to win the gold medal, which was the first medal for Grenada in Olympic history.