Oscar 'eligible for 400m'

Johannesburg - Double amputee Oscar Pistorius will compete in the individual 400m and the 4x400m relay events at the London Olympic Games.

Pistorius was included in South Africa's final Olympic team on Wednesday.

The 'Blade Runner' narrowly missed the qualifying criteria in the individual event, though he was always a real prospect for the relay team.

Tubby Reddy, the CEO of the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), confirmed he had been included in both events when the final SA team was announced on Wednesday.

"Oscar was selected for the 4x400m relay," Reddy said.

"Therefore, as one of the relay runners, by virtue of being there, we received a request from Athletics SA to include him in the 400m as well.

"He reached the 'A' qualifying standard once, and though he did not make the criteria for that (the individual event), the SASCOC board decided to include him in both."

Pistorius was delighted to be chosen for both events.

"To have been selected to represent Team South Africa at the London 2012 Olympic Games in the individual 400m and the 4x400m relay is a real honour," Pistorius said in a statement.

"I am so pleased that years of hard work, determination and sacrifice have all come together."