Icelandic javelin star overcomes amputation to become a para - athlete . Helgi Sveinsson a promising handball player before developing bone cancer in leg . With chest puffed out and a javelin at his side , the 35-year-old 's stance has a classical feel , but with a distinctly modern twist . Left leg amputated above knee in leg ; sports career revitalized by employment at prosthetic firm . Icelandic - based company provided running blades for South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius .
Icelandic javelin star overcomes amputation to become a para - athlete . Helgi Sveinsson a promising handball player before developing bone cancer in leg . Left leg amputated above knee in leg ; sports career revitalized by employment at prosthetic firm . Icelandic - based company provided running blades for South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius .