Double amputee advances in World Championships 400 meters event

Amputee runner Oscar Pistorius on Sunday qualified for the semifinals in the men's 400 meters at the ongoing World Championships in Athletics, keeping his dream alive with a strong finish at the line.

The South African ran 45.39 seconds, the second fastest of his career, to rank 14th among 24 qualifiers for Monday's semifinals. Defending world champion LaShawn Merritt of the U.S. came in at 44.35, the best time this year, to lead the first round.

Pistorius, 24, dubbed "Blade Runner" for his carbon fiber artificial limbs had both legs amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old because of a congenital condition that caused him to be born without his lower leg bones.

In 2008, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) banned him from its competitions, citing advantages his legs gave him over able-bodied athletes. The Court of Arbitration for Sport later overruled the IAAF decision and made Pistorius eligible for competitions. But the IAAF recently said it has the power to reevaluate the situation to determine whether the prosthetic limbs remain within the rules.

"He ran the time to get here," Merritt said. "He's a great person. He's dedicated and motivated, and has a great heart. He doesn't quit. I wish all the best with him."

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