Critics who insist that double amputee Oscar “Blade Runner” Pistorius’ prosthetic legs give him an advantage over able-bodied competitors, despite evidence to the contrary, may have been surprised when the inspiring runner finished last in the 400-meter Olympic finals. Pistorius made history by running 45.44 at Saturday’s semifinals, but did significantly worse on Sunday, clocking at 46.54 and crossing the finish line eighth. Yet nothing can take away Pistorius' historic accomplishment — being the first runner with prosthetic legs to compete against able-bodied runners in the Olympics. "Oscar is someone special, especially in our event. It's a memorable moment for me to be out here performing with him," said Kirani James, who won the gold for Grenada, told Mercury News.

After the race, James asked Johannesburg native Pistorius to swap race bibs — a symbol of respect that was not taken lightly. "It was very kind of him," Pistorius said. "As soon as we crossed the finish line, we're friends. We share a similar life. It's what the Olympics is all about. It's great to make friends,” added Pistorius, who has faced substantial criticism from other athletes and professionals that do not support his participation in the Olympics. “Ask him," Britain’s Nigel Levine replied when asked on Saturday if Pistorius had an advantage because of his blades. "I'll keep my opinion to myself on that one. It has nothing to do with me."

But Pistorius’ work at the Olympics is not done. Pistorius will race in the 4×400 relay event with the South African team, which will be competing in preliminary rounds this Thursday. Even if Pistorius goes home without a medal, his presence has left a mark at the Olympics, where crowds have been ecstatically cheering him on even when he failed to qualify for the final round. "It's a dream come true," Pistorius said. "I want to thank everyone for their support."

Read more about Oscar Pistorius and London 2012:

Uinterview | News: 'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius Makes History By…

Double Amputee 'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius Blazing A Trail For…

Britain's Jessica Ennis Wins Gold In Olympic Heptathlon

China's Yu Yang Talks Badminton Scandal, Team USA's Tony…

U.S. Women's Gymnastic Team With McKayla Maroney & Jordyn Wieber Wins Gold

U.S. Olympic Swimmer Matt Grevers Wins Gold, Sets Record

U.S. Olympic Swimmer And Aurora, Colorado Native Missy Franklin On Winning Gold: 'Pinch Me'

U.S. Olympic Gymnast McKayla Maroney

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympic Diver Kristian Ipsen Is 'Not Wearing Much'

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympian Phil Dalhausser's 'Late Start' At Beach Volleyball

EXCLUSIVE: Olympian Jessica Hardy Swims 2.5 Hours Every Morning

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympic Gymnast Jonathan Horton On The London Games

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympic Gymnast Jordyn Wieber On Training For London Games

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympic Sprinter Wallace Spearmon On Losing His Medal In Beijing — And Winning Gold In London

Lolo Jones Reveals She's A Virgin

Daniel Craig To Open Olympics At Buckingham Palace

Warrior Star Kurt Angle Is Training For Return To Olympics

Evan Lysacek Wins Olympic Gold

Michael Phelps Makes A Splash In Vegas

VIDEO: Olympic Swimmer Matt Grevers' Proposes To Annie Chandler

Leave a comment

Read more about: