Pistorius barred from Beijing

2008-01-14 13:14

London - South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius has been told he cannot compete in the Beijing Olympics because the artificial legs he uses give him an unfair advantage.

The decision to ban the 21-year-old sprinter from all competitions involving able-bodied athletes was announced by the sport's governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on Monday.

Pistorius, who as an 11-month-old baby had both of his legs amputated below the knee, runs on specially adapted carbon fibre blades that have seen him win Paralympic titles and challenge the times set by top-level able-bodied athletes.

But a scientific investigation into his springy prosthetics carried out by the Institute of Biomechanics at Cologne University last November found that they gave him a clear competitive edge over such athletes.

The results of these tests were handed over to IAAF president Lamine Diack last week and he asked his executive council to make a ruling.

Pistorius, dubbed by the press as the "Blade Runner", has already taken part in major IAAF-sanctioned events such as last July's Golden League meeting in Rome, and he has made it clear his dream was to compete at this summer's Beijing Olympics, possibly in the South African 4x400m relay team.

The South African denies he gains an unfair advantage over his rivals and he has already said that he will contest any ban imposed by the IAAF on his racing activities.

"I feel that it is my responsibility, on behalf of other disabled athletes, to stand firm," he said. "I will appeal (against) this decision at the highest levels, while also continuing with my quest to race in the Paralympic Games and hopefully the Olympic Games."

- Reuters