Iniguez

The government, which denies any ties to drug gangs, has defended the appointment of Jesus Antonio Aguilar Iniguez as a special police adviser, saying he was exonerated of the charges and has needed expertise.

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In hearing the lawsuit brought by Iniguez and two retired wheelchair racers, the United States District Court and the United States Court of Appeals have ruled that the U.S.O.C. has the legal discretion to finance able-bodied and disabled athletes differently.

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But even the District Court judge who ruled against Iniguez in 2006 wrote: Do I decry a culture that relegates Paralympians to second-class status in the quantity and quality of benefits and support they receive from the U.S.O.C.

medals are good, equality is better 2008

With his suit awaiting consideration by the Supreme Court, Iniguez now finds himself in the awkward position of racing on behalf of a team he is also suing.

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By the time the U.S.O.C. started offering health insurance and $250 to $500 quarterly training stipends to some of its top Paralympic contenders several years ago, Iniguez was no longer enough of a medal hopeful to qualify.

medals are good, equality is better 2008

Iniguez is one of many United States Paralympians who said they would attend the Beijing Games relatively unprepared, compared with their competition.

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In the years that followed, Iniguez squeezed in whatever training he could on mornings when it was warm enough, and occasionally after school.

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Iniguez and two other top American wheelchair racers, Scot Hollonbeck and Jacob Heilveil, filed their discrimination suit against the U.S.O.C. five years ago.

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"I am not doing it for personal gain," said Iniguez, who is not seeking financial damages.

medals are good, equality is better 2008

Unable to walk without crutches since polio ravaged his legs at age 2, Iniguez was a rising star in wheelchair racing during the 1990s.

medals are good, equality is better 2008