'My mother was optimistic'

2008-07-02 13:24

Milan - Double amputee Oscar Pistorius says the memory of his late mother is helping to drive him on as the pioneering South African runner strives for a place at the Beijing Olympic Games next month.

Pistorius, who runs with carbon fibre blades after both legs were amputated below the knee at the age of 11 months, won the right in May to compete against able-bodied runners at the Games.

To qualify for the Olympic 400m he needs to clock a time of 45.55 seconds - which would be a personal best.

Speaking ahead of a race in Milan on Wednesday - his first able-bodied competition since the ruling, Pistorius revealed how supportive his mother, his first love Vicky and his current girlfriend Jenna have been in overcoming difficulties.

"I have to thank my coach, my family, my mother and my girlfriend," the 21-year -old told a news conference, dressed in a T-Shirt reading "Olympic dream" and accompanied by Jenna.

His mother, who died six years ago, remains in his thoughts. A tattoo on his arm shows her birthday and the day she died.

'Difficult moments'

"I know my mother is watching over me from the sky and is happy for me, for my victories," he wrote in his autobiography "DreamRunner".

"My mother was optimistic, even in our difficult moments. I thank her for giving me her strength", Pistorius told reporters.

In his book, Pistorius remembered his first love Vicky, "a very special girl" whom he parted with last year, when he was waiting to learn if he could attempt to qualify for the Games.

A few months later, the athlete met Jenna and moved to a new home. "Those two things helped me to go ahead and made me think positive even in such a difficult time", he wrote.

Pistorius, whose legs were amputated because of a congenital disorder, has been given extra time in his bid to qualify for Beijing in August but has said the Games in London in 2012 are a more realistic target.

He said he feels "strong and healthy" and will try to run in Olympic qualifying time in Milan on Wednesday.

He has other races in Rome on July 11 and in the Swiss city of Lucerne a few days later.

"London 2012 is a more realistic target," said Pistorius, who won gold in the 200m at the 2004 Athens Paralympics.

"Sprinters usually reach their peak between 26 and 29 years old. I will be 25 in London and I'll also have two, three years preparation".

- Reuters