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Pistorius Wins Paralympic Gold
South African who sued for right to compete in Olympics takes 100 meters; more to come
(AP)
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One gold medal down and two to go for sprinter Oscar Pistorius at the Beijing Paralympics. Despite a slow start on a wet track, the South African won the most difficult of his three races, taking gold today in the 100 meters in 11.17 seconds. Jerome Singleton was second at 11.20, and fellow American Brian Frasure earned bronze in 11.50.
"I had a tough start and a slow first 30 meters," said Pistorius, who is also favored to win the 200 and 400. "I really just pulled out all the stops." The double amputee won a legal battle in May for the right to run in the Beijing Olympics against able-bodied athletes, but failed to meet the qualifying time in the 400. But that doesn't mean the man called "Blade Runner" is giving up. "I'm looking forward to London 2012," he said.
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