SA Pistorius delight at World Championships bow in Daegu 2011

South African athlete Oscar Pistorius today spoke about his excitement at competing at the IAAF World Championships as he discussed the upcoming event with athletics great and 400m world record holder Michael Johnson.

With just under 48 hours until the 24-year-old makes his World Championships debut, Pistorius and the four-time Olympic gold medallist appeared together in a special media event hosted by sponsors Nike in Daegu.

Pistorius, who in July became the first double amputee to qualify for the World Championships when he clocked 45.07seconds in Lignano, Italy, said, "I've been blown away by the reception I have received since I landed in South Korea and have been humbled by everyone who has greeted me so warmly and wished me well.

"I'm feeling in good shape and am really excited about finally getting out on the track and testing myself against some of the best athletes in the world.

"It's been a busy six weeks since I ran the qualifying time in Italy - there has been a lot of comments and interest in my achievements but the past is behind me and I am very excited about competing in my first race on Sunday.

"I am taking each round as it comes - I hope to run close to my personal best but its consistency that I'm really working on. If I can progress through the heats in a consistent way with my times I will have done the job I have come here to do."

Michael Johnson, who interviewed Pistorius at Nike's flagship store, said, "I've known Oscar for a number of years now and I think it is amazing what he has achieved in qualifying for the IAAF World Championships this year.

"He's in fantastic shape, has trained so hard to get here, deserves to be competing and I am delighted to see him here and wish him every luck on the track."

Pistorius will compete for South Africa in the 400m heats on Sunday 28 August and in the 4x400m relay team on 01 September.

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