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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Official's Knock Irks Amputee Sprinter

Lawyers threaten after IAAF rep urges Olympic exclusion over safety

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(Newser) – Lawyers for double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius responded aggressively after a track and field official recommended South Africa exclude him from its Olympic relay squad "for reasons of safety," the New York Times reports. Pistorius, 23, “reserves all rights and remedies” if track's governing body doesn't retract, noting that a sports court has affirmed Pistorius right to run—if he qualifies or is selected.

After Pistorius threatened legal action, an IAAF rep said, “It is one of the few events where there is physical contact between athletes. You are jostling, crouched down at the line waiting for the baton in a group lined up hip to hip.” Pistorius will try again tonight to qualify for the 400 meters.

South Africa's double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius is seen at the start of the men's 400 meters race.
South Africa's double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius is seen at the start of the men's 400 meters race.   (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
South Africa's amputee runner Oscar Pistorious starts the men's 400 metres at the British Grand Prix at the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield, England, Sunday July 15, 2007.
South Africa's amputee runner Oscar Pistorious starts the men's 400 metres at the British Grand Prix at the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield, England, Sunday July 15, 2007.   (AP Photo)
South Africa's double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius, left, competes with Italy's Teo Turchi, right, during the men's 400 meters race at the Track and Field Golden Gala meeting.
South Africa's double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius, left, competes with Italy's Teo Turchi, right, during the men's 400 meters race at the Track and Field Golden Gala meeting.   (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)
South Africa's double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius is seen at the start of the men's 400 meters race.
South Africa's double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius is seen at the start of the men's 400 meters race.   (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)
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