‘Blade Runner’ can now take part in Olympics

GENEVA: Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius, known as  ‘Blade Runner’ for the specially adapted carbon-fibre prosthetics he uses, can now compete in the Olympics.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on Friday that the 21-year-old South African is eligible to race against able-bodied athletes, overturning a ban imposed by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) .

The IAAF had banned the 400m runner from all competitions involving able-bodied athletes because of claims that the artificial legs he uses give him an unfair advantage.

After CAS ruling, Pistorius’ participation in the able-bodied events  in Beijing will depend on him achieving the minimum Olympic qualifying time of 45.95sec (or 400m), or 45.55 if another South African runs less than 45.95. Pistorius’ personal record is 46.46.

However, he can be picked for the South African relay squad without qualifying. The verdict also clears Pistorius to dedicate himself to competing at the 2012 London Olympics.

“I am ecstatic,” Pistorius said. “When I found out I cried. It is a battle that has been going on for far too long. I think this day is going to go down in history for the equality of disabled people.”