Oscar Pistorius Reaches Men's 400-Meter Semifinals

Oscar Pistorius, a 25-year-old South African and probably the most celebrated track athlete at the Games this side of Usain Bolt, made his much-anticipated Olympic debut a resounding success Saturday morning, when Pistorius, the first double-amputee to compete in the Olympics, ran his 400-meter heat in 45.44 to advance to Sunday night's semifinals.
Announced to the Olympic Stadium crowd by both his name and nickname ("The Blade Runner"), Pistorius received a massive ovation from the 80,000 fans, and then ran a blistering lap around the red track, every step of it on his J-shaped carbon-fiber prostheses.
"It was just an amazing experience," Pistorius told hundreds of waiting reporters from around the world. "It's moments like this when you step back and say, 'Wow, I've been blessed by the Lord.'"
Pistorius' time was his second fastest of the year, and enabled him to finish second in his heat. He was the 16th fastest of the 24 qualifiers for the semifinals.
"It just show me my coaching staff has done a great job getting me to peak at the right time," Pistorius said.

Born without a fibula in both legs, Pistorius has been a world-class runner for several years, having qualified for the world championships last year and making it to the semifinals. Track's international governing body barred him from running against able-bodied competition early in 2008, arguing that his lightweight prostheses actually gave him a competitive advantage. The decision was overturned in May, 2008 by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which ruled that there was no credible evidence to indicated Pistorius had an unfair advantage.
Pistorius was officially named to the South African Olympic team one month ago. He will run in the 4 x 400 relay, as well.
"He motivates all of us," said Bryshon Nellum, the U.S.'s top qualifier for the semis, with a time of 45.23. "For him to continue to run against people with legs, it's unbelievable."
With a day to prepare for the Olympic semifinals, Pistorius, who was smiling so much he said his cheeks were beginning to hurt, apologized and said he had to go.