Pistorius for Ostrava

OSTRAVA (CZE) - South African para star Oscar Pistorius confirmed his first meet of the summer season in Europe. He will return to compete at the 400 m during the 51st Ostrava Golden Spike (IAAF World Challenge) on May 25. Last year he was 6th in 46.19 (his 10th best time of the career) at the Czech venue. Just before Ostrava he will run at the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester.

  "I am in top training currently, all is better than last year. Im lighter and faster. I was little bit nervous last year in Ostrava because it was my first big meet of the year. Although it will be the same situation also this May, I want to achieve more. Possibly start more conservatively to be able to have stronger finish than last year when I started too ambitious into the race," said Pistorius via skype conference interview. His main aim for Ostrava is to attack the olympic A-qualifer of 45.30. Already earlier confirmed for Ostrava race is 2009 World champion and Olympic winner LaShawn Merritt with the aim to attack the oldest meet record 44.70 by Alberto Juantorena back in 1976.

Men: 100 m, 200 m, 400 m (Gyulai´s Memorial), 800 m, 3000 m (Zátopek Memorial), 110 m H, PV, SP, JT, HT

Ženy: 200 m (Slanina Memorial), 400 m, 800 m, 100 m H, 400 m H, JT, HT (Skolimowska Trophy).

Photo by Ales Graf, www.graf.cz.