JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Double-amputee runner Oscar Pistorius is going to the London Olympics after being selected for South Africa's 1,600-meter relay team.
Pistorius is set to become the first amputee track athlete to compete at the games after South Africa's Olympic committee picked him Wednesday as one of 13 athletes on the team initially selected last month.
"Today is really on of the happiest days of my life! Will be in (at)London2012 for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games!" the multiple Paralympic champion said on Twitter. "Thank you to everyone that has made me the athlete I am! God, family and friends, my competitors and supporters! You have all had a hand!"
Pistorius was selected alongside Willem de Beer, Ofentse Mogawane and Shaun de Jager for the 4x400 race.
The selection eased Pistorius' disappointment at his failure to qualify in the individual 400 meters.
The 25-year-old runs on carbon fiber blades Despite missing out in the 400 by less than a quarter of a second at his final qualifying race at the African championships last week, Pistorius will get to realize his dream of competing at Olympic and Paralympic events in the same year.
