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Oscar Pistorius of South Africa positions his starting block before the start of his men's 4x400 metres relay heat at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, Sept 1, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

No sympathy

Diack had no sympathy for him either. "He has to be out... it is the rule."

It would take the hardest of hearts to not find sympathy for double-amputee Oscar Pistorius, however.

The 24-year-old was sacrificed in South Africa's pursuit of a world 4x400 relay medal, despite helping his country to a national record in the qualifying heats.

Pistorius, who runs on carbon blades having had his lower legs removed as a baby, was the first amputee to compete at the world championships.

"Pretty Guttered" was his brief response on Twitter to being dropped for the final.

Oscar Pistorius of South Africa (R) runs with the baton to teammate Ofentse Mogawane (2nd R), as Jonas Plass of German (2nd L) runs to teammate Kamghe Gaba (L), during their men's 4x400 metres relay heat at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Daegu, Sept 1, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

At some visceral level, though, Pistorius redefined the concept of athletic achievement at these championships.

It was a pity only around 10,000 spectators witnessed him qualify for the 400 metres semi-finals, for those who did were rewarded with a memorable mental postcard.