Source: CCTV.com

05-17-2008 10:57

Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius has won his appeal and can now compete for a place at the Beijing Olympics.

Good things come to those who wait.

Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius has been waiting, and has finally won approval to compete at the Beijing Olympics.

Oscar Pistorius, eligible to compete at Olympics, "I think this day is going to go down in history for the equality of disabled people. I think it's such a significant day in sports. As I say, I am just so happy about the outcome - it's just the last two days that have been really stressful, but just the outcome that has been one of the best days of my life."

The Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne ruled that the 21-year-old South African is now eligible to race against able-bodied athletes, overturning a ban imposed by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

CAS also stated the unanimous ruling goes into effect immediately.

Pistorius must still reach the qualifying time to run in the individual 400 metres at the Beijing Games, but he can be picked for the South African relay squad without qualifying.

Pistorius holds the 400-metre Paralympic world record of 46.56 seconds. He also plans to compete in Beijing at the Paralympic Games in September.

 

Editor:Liu Fang