Pistorius gets shot at history after all

Oscar Pistorius of South Africa positions his starting block before the start of his men's 4x400 metres relay heat at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu in this September 1, 2011 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

South African double amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius had twin cause for joy on Wednesday after being told he could run in the 400m and the 4x400 relay at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

First he learned he would become the first amputee to compete in the Game thanks to his inclusion in the relay team, and a few hours later the national Olympic committee did a U-turn and agreed to him also running in the individual event.

Athletics South Africa (ASA) convinced Olympic body SASCOC that Pistorius should compete in the 400 despite bettering the 45.30 sec qualifying time only once instead of twice as demanded.

SASCOC chief executive Tubby Reddy told AFP his body "did not have a problem with that" and a day to remember for 25-year-old Johannesburg-born Pistorius was complete.

His selections come five days after conceding defeat in a battle to run in the 400 as he finished 0.22 outside the qualifying mark of 45.30 when finishing second at the African championships in Benin.

Pistorius did clock 45.20 at a meet in Pretoria last March, but could not repeat the feat at an international meet, a requirement for selection in the South African team.

But his sadness turned to joy as South Africa finalized the squad for London by choosing a relay team including Pistorius, Willem de Beer, Ofentse Mogawane and Shaun de Jager.

"Today is really one of the happiest days of my life. I will be in London for both the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games," Pistorius tweeted after hearing of his selection.

"Thank you to everyone who has made me the athlete I am today. God, family and friends, my competitors and supporters. You have all had a hand."

Oscar Pistorius of South Africa runs in the men's 400 meters race at the Diamond League New York Grand Prix athletics meet in this June 9, 2012 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

South African Olympic chief Gideon Sam congratulated Pistorius, the rest of the relay team and nine other athletes added to the 112 named last month as the country seeks to improve on a dismal one-medal show at the 2008 Beijing Games.

"It has taken four years, but now we can concentrate on doing our best at the Games. The preparation has been done and now it is up to our athletes to take over in London and show us what they are made of," Sam said.

"As I have said many times before, we are not taking passengers to London. Everyone has met selection criteria and are genuine Olympic Games material. I wish them all the best."

Agence France-Presse in Johannesburg