In a mixup worthy of a Seb Coe cross-dressing party, Oliver Pistorius has been entered into the 400m Hurdles instead of his chosen event, the 400m.
This is a huge setback for team South Africa. Whilst Pistorius has recorded a sub 45 second time in the 400m, his best time in the 400m hurdles is 5 minutes and 30 seconds since his blades are unable to clear the 90cm obstacles.
One commentator observed - "It's not really fair to make him do this - his ankles are like enormous fish hooks. Whilst they give him an advantage on the flat, he would need different shaped accessories to get over the hurdles or perhaps ones that swivel."
In way of compensation, Pistorius will now be allowed to compete in the high jump from which he was previously excluded although he will not be allowed to wear his springs.
The debarcle is reminisent of Beijing 2008 where wheelcharge bound para-olympians were forced to compete in the Pole Vault.
