LONDON (AP) ― Double-amputee runner Oscar Pistorius cut short a BBC radio interview Tuesday after he was asked whether he could be viewed as an “inconvenient embarrassment” to track and field officials for competing in able-bodied competitions.
The South African 400-meter specialist took part in the world championships in Daegu, South Korea, and hopes to run in next year’s London Olympics.
Oscar Pistorius in action in Daegu (Park Hae-mook/The Korea Herald)
Pistorius was asked on BBC’s “Today” program whether he might be considered an “inconvenient embarrassment to South African authorities and the IAAF because, effectively, you’re taking them into uncharted ethical waters.”
“I think that’s an insult to me and I think this interview is over,” Pistorius responded.
The interviewer said the question was not intended as an “insult” but Pistorius replied: “That is an insult. Thank you very much.”
The interview ended.
Running on carbon-fiber blades, Pistorius won a medal at the world championships in the 4x400 relay. He helped South Africa get through the preliminary rounds but wasn’t selected to run in the final, where his country finished second behind the United States.
Pistorius had earlier reached the semifinals of the 400. His sights are now firmly set on the London Olympics, as well as the Paralympics.
