Oscar Pistorius eliminated in semifinals of men’s 400

LONDON — Oscar Pistorius’ Olympic journey ended in the semifinals of the men’s 400 Sunday night, but he will be remembered for much more than his time or placement.

Pistorius, who became the first double amputee to compete in the Games alongside able-bodied athletes, finished last in his semifinal in a time of 46.54 seconds and did not advance to the final.

However, the South African runner’s spirit and courage were appreciated by his rivals, including 400-meter world champion Kirani James of Granada. After their heat, which James easily won, James embraced Pistorius and in a touching gesture asked for the racing bib that Pistorius had worn during the race. James unpinned his own bib and traded it for Pistorius’ bib.

The Olympic Stadium crowd, which had roared its approval in Pistorius’ debut in the first round Saturday, again applauded the South African runner who had fought so hard to be allowed to compete in the Olympics on his prosthetic legs.

No Americans will compete in the men’s 400 final. Bryshon Nellum of USC failed to qualify after being timed in 45.02 seconds in the third heat and Tony McQuay was eliminated on the basis of his 45.31.

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