Pistorius leads SA to world record

Oscar Pistorius captured his first gold medal of the London Paralympics when he helped South Africa win the 4×100-metre relay in a world-record time at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.

The double amputee, known as “Blade Runner,” anchored the team home in a time of 41.78 seconds. South Africa set the previous record at 42.50 in February.

It is Pistorius’ fifth Paralympic gold across three games, having won the 200 in Athens in 2004 and the 100, 200 and 400 in Beijing in 2008.

He has already won a silver in the 200 in London after being edged by Alan Oliveira of Brazil in Sunday’s final.

Pistorius will go for gold in the 100 on Thursday after qualifying on Wednesday night, and will defend his 400 title on Saturday. — Athletics reporter