BLADERUNNER Oscar Pistorius set a T42/44 world record at the BT Paralympic World Cup before setting his sights on qualification for the able-bodied World Championships. Pistorius cruised to gold in 47.27 seconds in Manchester but will be looking to go faster in three events against able-bodied athletes to seal his place at this summer’s World Championships South Korea before the June 20 cut-off date.
Currently South African number one this season, Pistorius has already run 45.61 at the National Championships in March, inside the B qualification for the World Championships and next year’s Olympics.
And with races in Ostrava, Portland and New York coming up, he is keen to show he is capable of consistently challenging the top able-bodied athletes.
“This year is about consistency for me,” said Pistorius who will need to run 45.25 to be guaranteed a place in Daegu.
“I would like to make the A qualification but if I run a couple of mid-45 races I’ll be happy with that. I’ve got until the June 20 to run the A time for the World Championships so the next three events are vital.”
Provided he remains top of the South African rankings, Pistorius should get a place on the plane to his first major able-bodied international event.
And with just a year to go until London, the 24-year-old is relishing the opportunity to run again on British soil.
“I’ve competed here for six of the last seven years so to finally run a world record here is really exciting for me,” he added.
“It just felt like a really comfortable race. I knew I would have to simulate the pace I will have to race in races coming up this season. It was okay with the wind. In previous years it rained so if we get a day like this it’s awesome, so we’re very blessed. The level of competition increases every year and it’s a cool event.
“The people in England are really clued up when it comes to disability and disabled sport. Running in Manchester is probably the event I’ve run most in my life so it’s great to come back here.”