2012 London Summer Olympics: Men's Track & Field

Blade-runner from South Africa, Oscar Pistorius, will get another shot at Olympic glory when he competes in the 4x400m relay final, after his team won a controversial appeal Thursday.

The double amputee and his team were virtually out of competition on Wednesday when South African runner Ofentse Mogawane dislocated his shoulder after taking a tumble following a tangle with Kenya's Vincent Kiilu.

The South African team management filed a protest and Kenya were disqualified, resulting in Pistorius' team getting promoted. An overjoyed Pistorius tweeted, "IT'S ON!! We in the FINAL. Team management Protested as Ofentse was taken out and we have been given Lane 9!! @ljvanzyl to take his place!!!"

An International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) statement said late on Thursday: "The Jury of Appeal met and agreed to advance the South African team to the final, even though they did not finish the race, considering that they had been severely damaged in the incident with Kenya."

Pistorius, who runs on prosthetic legs made from carbon fiber, had come last in his Olympic 400m semifinal. The brave-heart is the first double amputee to have qualified for the Games.

He will get another shot at glory when the Paralympic Games kick off at the same venue after the Olympic Games.

 

Double amputee Oscar Pistorius had his Olympic medal hopes dashed, then restored, after a collision stopped South African relay runners from finishing their heat. The team was re-instated after an appeal, and will compete in the final

 

 

Pistorius Pleased as South Africa Wins Appeal to Compete in 4x400M Relay Final