JOHANNESBURG (Yonhap News) ― Oscar Pistorius, the amputee sprinter set to compete at the upcoming World Championships in Athletics in South Korea, said he was appreciative of fan support from around the world.

In an email interview with Yonhap News Agency, Pistorius of South Africa, said he will do his best to return the love at the Aug. 27-Sept. 4 championships in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul.

“I am very lucky to get letters and messages from people from all over the world including South Korea,” Pistorius said. “And my message would be, ‘Thank you for your support and I look forward to competing to the best of my ability in Daegu.’”

The 24-year-old, dubbed “Blade Runner” for his carbon fiber artificial legs, has qualified for the men’s 400 meters and 4x400-meter relay. He will be the first amputee athlete to compete at the top event by the International Association of Athletics Federations.