• Athletics

Pistorius storms out of interview

ESPN staff
September 7, 2011
Oscar Pistorius made history in Daegu © Getty Images
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Oscar Pistorius stormed out of an interview after being asked if he felt he was an "inconvenient embarrassment" to athletics.

Double amputee Pistorius, who made history last week after becoming the first Paralympian to compete at the World Championships, won a silver medal in the 4x400m relay.

However, Pistorius did not stand on the podium after being dropped for the final having run in the heats.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) were forced to allow Pistorius to compete alongside able-bodied athletes three years ago when the South African had a ban overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

But when he was asked if he thought he may be an "inconvenient embarrassment" to the IAAF and South African authorities, he reacted angrily.

BBC journalist Rob Bonnet asked: "Some people regard you, no doubt, as an inspiration to Paralympic athletes, no question about that.

"But it might also be said that you're an inconvenient embarrassment to the South African authorities and the IAAF because, effectively, you're taking them into uncharted ethical waters here. What's your reaction to that?"

Pistorius replied: "I think that's an insult to me and I think this interview is over."

In a statement, a BBC spokesperson told the Daily Mail: "This was a frank interview which, as we acknowledged on air, didn't end as we would have hoped. Oscar Pistorius has been a focus for controversy and ethical debate in sport. This interview reflected that controversy, but it was never intended to cause offence."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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