Monday, May 19, 2008

BLADE RUNNER TO COMPETE IN OLYMPICS

The amputee athlete known as the Blade Runner has won his fight to compete at Beijing's Olympics.

Oscar Pistorius had been barred from the games over fears that his carbon fibre limbs gave him an advantage over able-bodied competitors.

Yesterday, however, that ruling was overturned with immediate effect by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The 21-year-old now has the chance to become the first amputee to compete on the track at the Olympics.

After hearing the news the South African sprinter said: "I am thrilled with the panel's findings and hope that it silences many of the crazy theories that have been circulating in recent months about my having an unfair advantage.

"I look forward to continuing my quest to qualify for the Olympics."

A clearly-emotional Pistorius admitted he had cried on being told he had the chance to compete in Beijing this August.

"It is a battle that has been going on for far too long," he added.

"It's a great day for sport. This day is going to go down in history for the equality of disabled people."

Last year, Pistorius finished second against able-bodied athletes in the South African championships.

However he still must record a qualifying time of 45.55 seconds to make Beijing - a full second faster than his personal best of 46.56.

If he fails to make the qualifying time in the next three months, South African selectors could still give him a place in the Olympic 4x400 metres relay squad.

Failing that, he would be able to target a place at the London Games of 2012. ,,DAILY MAIL




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