Pistorius cleared for Olympic bid

3:20pm Friday 16th May 2008

Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius will be allowed to compete alongside able-bodied athletes for a place at the Olympics after winning his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The IAAF had ruled Pistorius' artificial limbs unfairly enhance his performance - but the 21-year-old South African on Friday had that decision overturned with immediate effect.

"I am thrilled with the panel's findings," said Pistorius. "My focus throughout this appeal has been to ensure that disabled athletes be given the chance to compete and compete fairly with able-bodied athletes. I look forward to continuing my quest to qualify for the Olympics."

Pistorius, who runs on carbon fibre blades, has previously been limited to competing solely in Paralympic events.

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