/ 19 May 2008

Pistorius: London more realistic goal than Beijing

Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius says the 2012 London Olympics may be a more realistic goal than qualifying for the Beijing Games.

Pistorius has returned to South Africa following a Court of Arbitration (CAS) ruling that cleared him to compete against able-bodied runners.

The athlete says he will compete in able-bodied meets in the coming weeks to try to qualify in the 400m for Beijing. But he told reporters on Monday it will be difficult and the London Games may be his best shot.

If he doesn’t reach the qualifying time for Beijing, he could still be picked for South Africa’s relay squad.

The CAS ruled last Friday that his prosthetic racing blades do not give him an unfair advantage over able-bodied runners. — Sapa-AP