Blade Runner Read Online Free PDF

the other
hand, was obsessed with gymnastics, and made it an
obligatory 'hobby' for each of us. He gave us pocket money
every week but required that we perform tasks for it, such as
walking and feeding the dogs but also doing gymnastics.
Physical training has always been integral to our lives; from
about age four onwards we each had our own mini set of
barbells. My first set was half a kilo, and as I grew so they
became progressively heavier. My father trained with
weights, and it became something we all did together.
Furthermore, there were incentives for us: skipping or
push-ups, abdominal exercises, the more we did the more
pocket money we earned.
    My paternal grandfather still works out regularly and is
very fit. Now ninety-one years old and recently returned
from a trip around Europe, he has his own personal gym at
home and makes a point of training every day.
    Cricket was nothing short of a revelation. Like most South
African kids I loved cricket, and I was a good all-rounder. One
particular source of joy for me with cricket was that I was
exempt from having to wear those ungainly leg pads. I was
especially keen on batting, and was secretly very pleased as
this way I could not be penalised for being Leg Before Wicket.
    While I played a lot of tennis and football, my participation
in athletics was less enthusiastic. I was not a great fan.
I had tried both high jump and long jump and I preferred the
latter. I found high jump particularly arduous, as with my
heavy prostheses it was difficult to get much lift off the
ground. Carl was a swimmer but unlike him I found
swimming dull.
    The competitive sport that I played at club level was
wrestling. My father had applied to the Amateur Wrestling
Association for a dispensation allowing me to compete with
prostheses, which they had granted since, unlike all-in
wrestlers we were only allowed to use our upper bodies. I
started when I was six years old and absolutely revelled in
the sport, perhaps because it was a natural continuation of
the physical way Carl and I played with one another. Carl
was the epitome of assertiveness, and I was determined to
earn his respect and be treated equally.
    I won my first medal in wrestling. The first time you win
an award is an unforgettable moment. You are enveloped in
a warm buzz of emotions – pride, happiness, and the acute
sense of recognition that comes with applause from your
loved ones. It is addictive, almost like a drug – but a positive
drug, pushing you forward to greater success. I think that if
anything my prostheses probably furthered my wrestling
career, since their considerable weight meant that I was
solidly anchored to the ground and perhaps more stable than
other competitors.
    It seems odd in retrospect that running was by far my least
favourite sport. Once a year our school organised an athletics
day in which we all had to take part. I loathed participating
as my cumbersome prostheses made the races impossibly
difficult and often painful. Each year, as the dreaded athletics
day neared, I tried out my forgery skills and sent a note to
the teacher responsible. The teacher changed year on year,
although my story usually ran broadly along the same lines:
    Dear Madam,
    Oscar has been unwell with the flu recently. This morning he was feeling faint. I have sent him to school anyway but think it would be better if he did not have to take part in today's athletic events. Poor child.
    Thank you for your understanding.
    Best regards,
    Sheila Pistorius
    I would then attempt my best impression of her signature,
but to no avail. Inevitably the school would telephone my
mother and so not only was I obliged to partake but in
addition I would be punished for my misbehaviour at home.
    While still at primary school I took part in numerous
triathlon events (600 metres swimming, 5 kilometres running
and 20 kilometres cycling). For these triathlons I had formed a
team with Kaylem and Deon, two old friends I had met fishing.
We had each chosen a