amputees, steroids, "science" and policy analysis

From CBS Sportsline.com, we're told that the IAAF will not allow a double-amputee to compete in the Olympics (hat tip: Jim Rome)...

The IAAF "reasoned" that he had "an advantage" because of his prosthetic legs-- based on what they were told by scientists. Thanks to Science!

Two thoughts...

First, if guys will use steroids or have a sex change-- and try to compete-- would they cut off their own legs to get the "cheetah blades" installed?

Second, all of this reminds me of standard/woeful policy analysis. In determining that he has an "advantage", the IAAF is only looking at his "mechanical advantage" without considering his physical disadvantage. As with most policy "analysis" and the promotion of many public policies, it's all about the benefits with little or nothing on the costs. But if that's good enough for government work, I suppose it's good enough for the IAAF too.