# Prosthetic Race Controversies Aimee Mullins Confronts Athletic Advantage & Disability By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-11-13 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aimee-mullins References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/5403322/racing-on-carbon-fiber-legs-how-abled-should-we-be) & [ted](http://www.ted.com/speakers/aimee_mullins.html) Aimee Mullins, an athlete, speaker, actress and model has written an extremely thought-provoking article for [Gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/5403322/racing-on-carbon-fiber-legs-how-abled-should-we-be) titled, *Racing on Carbon Fiber Legs: How Abled Should We Be?*. The article is about challenging our assumptions about the nature of athletic competition in the context of prosthetic devices, body-altering surgery, and what is considered cheating or gaining an ‘unfair’ sports advantage. Mullins points out that while LASIK surgery to improve eyesight is not considered an athletic ‘advantage,’ prosthetic implants that merely restore normal function are. Mullins includes some historical insights that, in an age of increasing medical technology, make this a ‘must-read’ for athletes and those who admire them. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 99% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Redefining Athletic Advantage:** The trend of challenging the nature of athletic competition in the context of prosthetic devices and body-altering surgery creates opportunities for developing innovative sports technology. - **Normalizing Prosthetic Implants:** Normalize prosthetic implants, transitioning from artificial prosthetics to body mobility enhancers. - **Advancement in Medical Technology:** Advancements in medical technology lead to potential disruptions in the world of sports, raising questions about what constitutes fair play. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Sports Technology:** Sports technology companies can develop innovative prosthetics, mobility aids and wearable tech for athletes who require them. - **Medical Technology:** Medical technology organizations may focus on developing revolutionary prosthetics and other related technologies. - **Athletic Apparel:** Athletic apparel manufacturers can explore opportunities to produce athletic wear for athletes with prosthetic limbs or other body mobility aids. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bionic Knee Prostheses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/httpswwwmediamitedu.md) - [Adaptive Swim Prosthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-nimble.md) - [Upgraded Adaptive Sports Components](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paralympic-games.md) - [Mind-Controlled Artificial Arms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-prosthetic-arm.md) - [Modular Slip-Proof Prosthetic Legs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lytra-prosthetic-leg.md) - [Genetic Athleticism Tests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ancestrydna.md) - [Athlete-Backed Stigma-Addressing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anna-leigh-waters.md) - [Inclusive Prosthetic Access](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medicare-coverage.md) - [Humanoid Robot Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/great-robot-olympics.md)