‘Blade Runner’ eyes Olympic, Paralympic Games in London
LONDON, England (AFP) — ‘Blade Runner’ Oscar Pistorius said yesterday he aims to compete in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London next year following his medal-winning debut at the World Athletics Championships.
The 24-year-old won a silver medal on Friday for his part in helping South Africa to reach the 4×400 metres relay final in Daegu and is now targeting further success at both Games in 2012.
He dismissed concerns that he would not be able to train and peak for both events, which are just over two weeks apart.
“I think that’s been a worry with some people,” he told reporters at the International Paralympic Day event in London’s Trafalgar Square.
“Four or five months, I’m able to peak that long. My biggest thing is that I’ll have to qualify.
“I’ve moved over the last four years more to 400 and 200 metres and the 100 is still something that’s a big challenge for me, although I ran the second-fastest time ever this year in May at the Paralympic World Cup, I ran 11.04 seconds.
“So I know I’m in good condition for that but the guys are hot on my heels. (US sprinter) Jerome Singleton’s a phenomenal competitor so I’m going to have to be very focused.
“It’s not going to be the physical aspect next year but more of the mental to stay dedicated and focused.
“I’ve got great training staff and coaching staff. I’ve got a lot of faith in them. They won’t let me down and they’ll be there next year when I need advice on when to rest, when to train, how to prepare.”
Pistorius, who runs with carbon fibre prosthetic running blades, was the first amputee to compete in the World Athletics Championships.
He reached the semi-finals of the 400m individual event and ran in the semi-finals of the relay, although he was dropped for the final in which South Africa won the silver medal behind the United States.
Singleton said he was looking forward to taking on Pistorius in the 2012 Paralympics.
“There are going to be some great rivalries,” he told AFP.
“If you like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier or Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, Oscar P and Jerome Singleton is going to be a phenomenal race.
“Just come out here and see people overcome challenges and know that in your life you can overcome these challenges too.”
