Athletics: Johnson backs ‘Blade Runner’

DAEGU: US sprint legend Michael Johnson backed the right of South African double amputee Oscar Pistorius to run in the world championships because the rules state he can do so. Known as the ‘Blade Runner’ because he runs with carbon fibre prosthetic running blades, Pistorius was selected for the 400 metres and is part of his country’s 4x400m relay squad. Johnson described Pistorius’ presence as a ‘groundbreaking moment’.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2011.