From the New York Times, [UK] Guardian and elsewhere:

Oscar Pistorius, the double-amputee sprinter known as the “Blade Runner”, has failed in his bid to be included in South Africa’s 4×400-meter relay team. Pistorius had won a legal fight in May to be allowed to compete against athletes without disabilities, but was not able to qualify for Olympic competition based on his times alone.

Athletics South Africa said that four sprinters had posted faster times, and two were chosen as alternates. According to Pistorius’s agent, Peet Van Zyl, the sixth-fastest time in South Africa was 46.02 seconds, better than the personal best of 46.25 that Pistorius ran in Lucerne, Switzerland, on Wednesday.

Van Zyl suggested that the stress involved in the legal challenges impeded Pistorius’ efforts to turn in his best performance.

Pistorius has said he plans to focus on qualifying for the 2012 Olympics in London. He is also likely to compete in this year’s Paralympic Games in Beijing.

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