Defeated Pistorius apologises for timing of outburst

LONDON (AFP) –

South Africa’s Oscar Pistorius (right) shakes hands with Brazil’s Alan Oliveira (left) after losing to him in the Men’s 200m T44 final at the London 2012 Paralympic Games on September 2. Pistorius apologised Monday for the timing of his outburst after the loss, in which he claimed it was not a fair race, but insisted there was an issue with large prosthetics lengthening an amputee’s stride.

South Africa’s Oscar Pistorius apologised Monday for the timing of his outburst after losing his T44 200m title, but insisted there was an issue with large prosthetics lengthening an amputee’s stride.

Pistorius, the star of the London 2012 Paralympics, was sensationally beaten into the silver medal position by Brazil’s Alan Oliveira on Sunday, in a result that stunned the Olympic Stadium.

The 25-year-old then hit out at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), claiming it was not a fair race and he was at a disadvantage caused by artificial leg length, as the regulations allowed athletes to make themselves “unbelievably high”.

Brazil’s Alan Oliveira (left) sensationally beats South Africa’s Oscar Pistorius (front right) in the Men’s 200m T44 final at the London 2012 Paralympic Games on September 2. Pistorius apologised Monday for the timing of his outburst after losing his T44 200m title, but insisted there was an issue with large prosthetics lengthening an amputee’s stride.

Pistorius, who had both legs amputated below the knee, runs on carbon fibre blades, as does Oliveira.

“I would never want to detract from another athletes’ moment of triumph and I want to apologise for the timing of my comments after yesterday’s race,” the South African said in a statement.

“I do believe that there is an issue here and I welcome the opportunity to discuss with the IPC but I accept that raising these concerns immediately as I stepped off the track was wrong.

“That was Alan’s moment and I would like to put on record the respect I have for him.

“I am a proud Paralympian and believe in the fairness of sport. I am happy to work with the IPC who obviously share these aims.”