JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP):

Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius believes he may have a more realistic chance of qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics than this summer's Beijing Games.

Pistorius returned to South Africa after the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned an IAAF ruling that barred him from competing in the Olympics and other able-bodied events. The court said the 21-year-old's carbon fibre racing blades do not give him an unfair advantage over able-bodied runners.

Pistorius said yesterday he will be competing in able-bodied meets to try to qualify for the August 8-24 Beijing Games, but acknowledged it will be difficult to get into the proper shape. He said the London Olympics also are in his plans.

Tiring Months

"The last five months have been extremely tiring," Pistorius said, adding that months of prosthetic testing, overseas travel and marathon conference calls had hampered his training. "But I have the opportunity now so I might as well grab it with both hands."

Pistorius holds the 400m Paralympic world record of 46.56 seconds, but that time is outside the Olympic qualifying standard of 45.55. He admits the chance of shedding a second off his time is slim, and that he is now hoping to qualify for London.

"Realistically speaking ... I have a better chance of qualifying there because I haven't had the chance to train," he said.

Even if Pistorius fails to get the qualifying time, South African selectors could add the University of Pretoria student to the Olympic 1,600-metre relay squad.

"That chance still exists," said Peet van Zyl, Pistorius' agent. "But the South Africa team needs to qualify."

An alternate

Pistorius would not require a qualifying time and could be taken to Beijing as an alternate. Six runners can be picked for the relay squad, which would need to be one of the world's top 16 teams to participate in the Olympics.

Pistorius, smiling broadly as he sat behind a table in a black suit, told reporters that he'd jump at the chance to join the relay team.