Pistorious backed for relay role

The IAAF has made it clear they fully support Oscar Pistorius in his bid to represent South Africa at next month's Olympic Games.

The world governing body in a statement quashed suggestions that Pistorius would not be allowed to compete in his country's 4x400m relay team.

IAAF general secretary Pierre Weiss had expressed concerns his presence might be dangerous at changeovers because of the prosthetic blades used by the double amputee.

And there were suggestions it would be better for Pistorius to run the first leg which is completed in individual lanes if he is included in his country's quartet.

But the IAAF - who lost a case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in May to prevent him from competing against able-bodied athletes - stressed it will fully support the runner if he takes part.

A statement on Thursday said: 'The IAAF fully respects the recent CAS decision regarding the eligibility of Oscar Pistorius to compete in IAAF competitions, and certainly has no wish to influence the South African Olympic Committee, who has full authority to select a men's 4x400m relay team for the Beijing Olympics.

'There has been no change to the IAAF position that Mr Pistorius is welcome to seek qualification for the Olympics and future competitions under IAAF rules.

'Recent IAAF comments regarding Oscar Pistorius, stating concerns about the risks inherent in 4x400 relay running and the burdens caused by the need to police prosthetics, have no effect of the official eligibility of Oscar Pistorius, nor should they be misconstrued as a personal attack on Oscar.'

Pistorius ran a personal best of 46.25seconds when finishing third at an international meeting in Lucerne on Wednesday night but the time fell short of the 45.55sec Olympic 'A' qualifier he required.

Now he must sweat it out to hear whether he will in the South African team, although whatever the decision he plans to compete at the Paralympic Games in September.