• London Paralympics 2012

Pistorius avoids sanctions for comments

ESPN staff
September 4, 2012
Oscar Pistorius had never lost a 200 metres race in his career © PA Photos
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Oscar Pistorius will not face punishment for the comments he made after defeat to Alan Oliveira on Sunday, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has confirmed.

Following Oliveira's victory in the T44 200 metres, an agitated Pistorius expressed concern about the length of his rivals' prosthetic running blades.

Pistorius, who lost a 200m race for the first time in his career, felt that Oliveira's blades were too long, offering him an advantage.

The South African subsequently apologised for the timing of his comments, while the IPC insisted that all finalists were assessed before the final and were cleared to compete.

There is a meeting planned between Pistorius and the IPC in future - but ahead of that, he will not face sanctions.

IPC communications director Craig Spence said: "There will be no disciplinary action against Oscar for his comments."

IPC president Sir Philip Craven, added: "I can understand in one way the reaction [but] the rules were followed, this is the way it is.

"It's just incredible sadness and surprise, maybe, at having lost. But I know Oscar for the type of guy he is. He's a really great guy. I'm sure he will come back from this. He's a big mate of mine and good luck to him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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