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Pistorius 'gutted' after being dropped from relay side

Oscar Pistorius failed to reach the final of the individual 400m © Getty Images

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Oscar Pistorius has not been named in South Africa's team for the final of the 4x400m relay on Friday.

The double-amputee, who ran a strong opening leg to help the team qualify for the final on Thursday, revealed on Friday morning that he had been dropped from the final quartet - presumably to make way for 400m hurdler LJ van Zyl, who has not previously been involved.

"Haven't been included in final," Pistorius said on Twitter. "Pretty gutted."

A group of South Africa coaches reportedly made the decision at a team meeting. Pistorius's coach, Ampie Louw, was part of the meeting but later described the decision as "very strange", when speaking to the BBC. South Africa team manager, Magda Bothe, later said in a statement the decision had been made based on "factual information and knowledge".

Pistorius actually has the second fastest 400m personal best in the South Africa squad - and helped them set a new national record in the heats on Thursday - although the IAAF have ordered that he only run the opening leg in relays due to safety concerns surrounding his blades tangling with other athletes.

The 24-year-old also tends to start his races slowly but gain momentum over the second half, a tactical quirk that may have played into the selection choice. However, he will still receive a medal if the team finish in the top three, due to his participation in the heats.

Team GB are also involved in Friday's final, with 400m hurdles gold medallist Dai Greene initially part of their team for the final.

"Heading down the track for the relay," Greene said on Twitter. "Hopefully my body will be up to the task, I'm a greedy bugger and want another medal."

The Welshman came third in the flat event at the UK Trials & Championships earlier in the year, but was later removed from the lineup after discovering in warm-up that he had not recovered sufficiently to perform at his best.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.