Pistorius Not Named To Olympic Team
19/07/2008 05:28
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius was not named to South Africa's Olympic team Friday.
Besides failing to meet the qualifying standard to run in the 400 metres, Pistorius was left off the 4x400-metre relay team. Athletics South Africa president Leonard Chuene said four other South Africans had faster times, and two others were chosen as alternates.
Pistorius has battled with authorities for months, ultimately winning an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in May that allowed him to compete against able-bodied athletes and more recently facing concerns that he could pose a danger to other athletes.
But Pistorius fell short of the 400 qualifying time of 45.55 seconds. On Wednesday, he recorded a personal best of 46.25. He said in May that his legal battles had prevented him from focusing on training, and that it might be more realistic to aim at qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics.
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SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Well, I take back yesterday’s comments. I guess there isn’t any reward for grit and determination after all.