Double amputee Pistorius wins appeal over ban

By Mark Meadows

MILAN (Reuters) - Double amputee Oscar Pistorius can try to qualify for the Beijing Olympics after winning his appeal against a ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the South African said on Friday.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) ruled in January that runner Pistorius could not compete with able-bodied athletes because the carbon-fibre blades attached to both legs gave him an advantage.

The 21 year-old appealed to CAS, which ruled in his favour on Friday following a hearing with various scientists at the end of last month.

"I don't think 'really happy' describes it. I'm ecstatic. The battle has been going on for far too long. It is a victory for sports in general. I think this day will go down in history," Pistorius told a news conference in Milan, where his lawyers are based.

"Now I can definitely say the truth has come out. I have the opportunity once again to chase my dream of the Olympics, if not 2008, in 2012."

He confirmed he would run in able-bodied races in Milan on July 2 and at the Rome Golden Gala on July 11, where he competed last year and endeared himself to Italian fans.

The 400 metres will be his main target but he is realistic about his chances of making the Aug 8-24 Games with the qualifying deadline in late July.

"I've missed the whole South African season. The time period is very short. It's going to be very difficult for me to qualify (for the able-bodied Games)," he said.