Pistorius dream flickers as South Africa appeal

LONDON (AFP) - Double amputee Oscar Pistorius may get a second chance in the London Olympics 4x400m relay after South Africa appealed for reinstatement following their failure to finish their heat on Thursday.

South Africa's second-leg runner Ofentse Mogawane fell to the ground on the bend into the final stretch after making contact with Kenya's Vincent Kiilu.

While Kiilu said he had been spiked his team agreed he was at fault, having viewed the video evidence, after the organisers disqualified Kenya on account of Kiilu's actions.

Pistorius, who made history when he became the first double amputee to compete in the athletics at an Olympics in the 400m individual heats last Saturday, was left disconsolate as Mogawane tumbled to the ground with him due to take the baton on the third leg.

There is room to slot them into the final on Friday as the Olympic track is nine lanes.