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Pistorius makes history

Last updated on: August 4, 2012 17:50 IST
Oscar Pistorius

"Bladerunner" Oscar Pistorius was cheered around the Olympic track Saturday, finishing second in his 400-meter heat to advance to the next round on his carbon fiber blades.

-London Olympics 2012 - Complete coverage

The South African double amputee circled the oval with 80,000 fans cheering him on in 45.44 seconds — good enough for second place in his heat and a berth in the semifinals on Sunday night.

Pistorius legs were amputated below the knee

Last updated on: August 4, 2012 17:50 IST
Oscar Pistorius

The 25-year-old Pistorius was born without fibulas and his legs were amputated below the knee before he was a year old.

In an early gold medal Saturday, Nicola Spirig of Switzerland outsprinted Sweden's Lisa Norden in the final meters to win the women's triathlon.

Spirig crossed the line after the 10-kilometer run leg just a fraction ahead of Norden, with Erin Densham of Australia taking the bronze.

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