International court rules against Kingsport native Blake Leeper competing in Tokyo Olympics

Paralympian and Kingsport native Blake Leeper has hit a hurdle in his quest to compete in the 32nd Olympic Games in Tokyo next summer.

An Associated Press report says Leeper, 31, was denied a chance to compete by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. The group ruled that Leeper, who was born without legs below the knees, has a competitive advantage with his prosthesis.

The court approved a similar request by South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius in 2012. Leeper’s attorney issued a statement claiming the actions of the board were racist.

Leeper plans to appeal his case to the Swiss supreme court.

(IMAGE: C.Neibergall / Associated Press)