South African athlete Pistorius made history by becoming the first double amputee to compete in the Olympic Games. However his campaign is now over.
“It’s so hard,” Pistorius admitted after failing the heat. “Especially with the crowd being so amazing and there being so much support back home.”
Pistorius’s team mate Ofentse Mogawane fell after making contact with Kenyan Vincent Killu during the race. The South African athlete could not continue in the race and required medical attention to his shoulder.
“I took my eyes off the screen when he rounded the bend so I didn’t see what happened. I was just waiting for the baton,” said Pistorius of the incident. “I feel sorry for my team-mates. Things do happen in relays.”
Pistorius has battled hard to be allowed to compete in the London 2012 Olympics. The South African had both his legs amputated below the knee before he was one, because of a congenital condition. He has previously competed in the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Paralympics and will return for the London 2012 Paralympics.
Image: Oscar Pistorius reacts after the South African team fail to finish during the Men’s 4 x 400m Relay Round 1 heats (Getty)
