The four-time Paralympic gold medallist, who holds the world record in the T44 100, 200 and 400 metres, was given the tour of the Olympic Stadium ahead of his appearance at the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester on Friday (May 27).

"It was fantastic to visit the Olympic Stadium today," said Pistorius.

"It's a very impressive venue and I can't wait to come and compete here in 2012.

"My goal is to be the fastest man on the planet and I would love to set a new world record here at London 2012.

"The British public are sport mad and I know they will create a fantastic atmosphere for the athletes."

As well as competing at the Paralympics in 2012, Pistorius is also looking to represent South Africa in the Olympic Games in the 400m after recently smashing his personal best in the event.


The 24-year-old, who had both legs amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old after being born without fibulas, achieved the B-qualification standard for Olympics with a time of 45.61sec earlier this year but will need the A-qualification of 45.25 to compete in both events.

"It's always such an honour for us to have a world-renowned athlete likes Oscar Pistorius visiting the Olympic Park," said Sebastian Coe, the London 2012 chairman. 

"He is such an inspiration to people around the world."

Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), was excited that Pistorius had had the opportunity to sample what it might like in 2012. 

"Oscar Pistorius is one of many star Paralympic athletes who will be lighting up London in just under 500 days' time at the Paralympic Games and it is fantastic that he's had the chance to see the stunning stadium that London has built for the Games," he said.

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