South African double amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius had twin cause for joy on Wednesday after being told he could run in the 400m and the 4x400 relay at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

First he learned he would become the first amputee to compete in the Game thanks to his inclusion in the relay team, and a few hours later the national Olympic committee did a U-turn and agreed to him also running in the individual event.

Athletics South Africa (ASA) convinced Olympic body SASCOC that Pistorius should compete in the 400 despite bettering the 45.30 sec qualifying time only once instead of twice as demanded.