Oscar Pistorius has admitted defeat in his bid to qualify for the 400 metres at the London Olympics after missing out on the 'A' standard in the final of the African Championships in Benin on Friday.
The South African double amputee, who runs with carbon fibre prosthetic running blades, clocked 45.52 seconds to finish second, outside the 'A' standard of 45.30 secs.
It was the 25-year-old's last chance to achieve the standard for a third time as required by the South African selectors.
He said: "My race today felt good and I'm pleased to have won the silver medal at the African Championships.
"I am obviously disappointed that my time was just outside of the Olympic qualification time by two tenths of a second."Pistorius, known as 'Blade Runner', added: "I had felt very strong coming into this competition as my fitness and speed has been continually improving.
"I was in good shape to set the time and believe my speed will only increase over the next few weeks.
"I had a great early start to the season, setting the Olympic qualification time and I am hoping that there is still the opportunity for me to be selected to run for South Africa in the 4x400m relay."
Pistorius, who was born without a fibula in both legs, looks to have done enough to earn a place in the relay team.
He ran the 'A' standard in March and last summer ahead of his historic appearance at the World Championships in Daegu, where he won a silver medal in the relay.
Pistorius' sights had been set on the London Olympics ever since he won a legal battle over his blades with the IAAF in 2008, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling they did not give him an unfair advantage, only to fail to qualify for the Beijing Games.
He has, though, already been selected in South Africa's Paralympic team for London, where he will aim to defend his T44 100, 200 and 400m titles.
He added: "I am also extremely excited about the Paralympic Games in London and a big focus for me will be defending my three titles as well as being part of the South African team competing for a world record in the 4x100m relay at the Paralympics."
