Date:17/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/17/stories/2008091757311800.htm

Sport - Sports : General

Sprint treble for Pistorius

BEIJING: “Blade Runner” Oscar Pistorius won the 400m gold in world-record time to complete a Beijing Paralympics sprint treble on Tuesday.

The South African powered clear of his rivals to finish in 47.49secs, ahead of America’s Jim Bob Bizzell and British runner Ian Jones, breaking his own world mark by almost half a second.

His victory on the last night of track and field here follows wins in his category in the 100m and 200m races earlier in the Games.

Pistorius said winning his final race and breaking the world record was a wonderful way to end his Games.

Away from the Bird’s Nest, Ukraine defeated Russia 2-1 in 7-a-side football to take gold. Iran defeated Brazil 4-0 in the bronze-medal game.

In the wheelchair rugby final, the United States defeated Australia 53-44. Canada took the bronze-medal game, beating Britain 47-41.

In the men’s wheelchair basketball final, Australia beat Canada 72-60. Britain defeated the United States for bronze, 85-77. — Agencies