Pistorius falls short yet again

Source: Agencies  |   2008-7-13  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

DOUBLE amputee Oscar Pistorius failed with his second attempt to reach the Beijing Olympics 400 meters qualification time on Friday at Rome's Golden Gala.

The South African is trying to clock 45.55 seconds after overturning a ban on him competing against able-bodied athletes at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in May.

But the 21-year-old, who had both legs amputated below the knee at the age of 11 months, could only manage 46.62 to finish seventh in the 400 meters B race.

Nevertheless, it is a big improvement on the 47.78 he recorded with his first attempt in Milan last week.

He will have another chance to reach the mark at a meeting in Lucerne this week after Athletics South Africa gave him extra time to try to qualify.

"I'm happy with tonight I must admit," Pistorius told Rai television. "With the amount of training I've had I'm not too disappointed.

"I've got a third chance coming up in Switzerland in five days. Regardless of qualification, I'm happy with the time."

The winner of the 200 gold and 100 bronze at the 2004 Athens Paralympics may be able to run in his country's relay team in Beijing if he manages the B qualifying time of 45.95.

Pistorius plans to race in the September 6-17 Paralympics in Beijing - then focus on qualifying for the 2012 London Games.

Pistorius is popular in Italy after he took part in last year's Golden Gala and the public here was highly supportive of his campaign for the right to compete with able-bodied athletes.