Pistorius 'sorry' over timing of outburst

LONDON, Sept 3 (Reuters) – South Afri- ca's 'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius has expressed regret over the timing of his outburst following his shock loss to Brazil's Alan Oliveira in the 200 metres final at the London Paralympic Games on Sunday.

Moments after suffering his first 200m defeat in nine years, Pistorius complained that his opponent's blades were too long as well as criticising rules that allowed athletes to make themselves artificially tall.

LONDON, Sept 3 (Reuters) – South Africa's 'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius has expressed regret over the timing of his outburst following his shock loss to Brazil's Alan Oliveira in the 200 metres final at the London Paralympic Games on Sunday.

Moments after suffering his first 200m defeat in nine years, Pistorius complained that his opponent's blades were too long as well as criticising rules that allowed athletes to make themselves artificially tall.

Paralympic organisers said on Monday they met with an “emotional” Pistorius shortly after the race and assured him his oppo- nent's blades had been measured and were within the limits set out prior to competition.

In a statement on Monday, the sprinter stuck to his claim that International Paralympic Committee (IPC) rules allowed athletes to have an artificially long stride length, but apologised for raising his concerns immediately afterwards.

“I want to apologise for the timing of my comments but I do believe that there is an issue here,” said the 25year-old, who last month became the first double amputee to run in the Olympics and made the 400 metres semi-finals.