Olympics: Double amputee Oscar Pistorius claims allowing him to run in the Beijing Games could help reverse some of the negative publicity surrounding the Olympics.
Pistorius runs with carbon-fibre blades attached to both legs below the knees and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) ruled in January he could not compete with able-bodied athletes because he had an advantage.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said yesterday the South African's appeal against the ban will take place on April 29th and 30th.
Asked if his inclusion at Beijing could put the Games in a positive light following concerns over pollution and unrest in Tibet, the 400 metre runner said: "I think so. The negativity around the Beijing Games is affecting everybody."
Talk of athletes and politicians contemplating a boycott of the August Games because of China's security crackdown in Tibet does not interest Pistorius, though.
"They are putting in a lot of hard work and there's a lot of expectation from the Beijing committee but I think it's going to be one of the best Games," he told Reuters after being awarded the keys to the city of Milan for his achievements.
The South African, who won a gold and bronze at the 2004 Athens Paralympics, has competed in several able-bodied races at home.
Last July the 21-year-old ran in the 400 metres B race at the Golden Gala in Rome, finishing second. Two days later he finished last in wet conditions in Sheffield, England, and was disqualified for running out of his lane.
Pistorius had almost given up hope of competing in the able-bodied Olympics but he intends to go to the CAS hearing for one last attempt.
"We are very optimistic about it and hoping for the best. I think the whole story needs to be heard and me going there will certainly help. We believe I don't get an unfair advantage," he said.
"It's their decision at the end of day. All we can do is provide them with the information that is correct and honest. I've still got to qualify. I'm not even allowed to run in the IAAF events to qualify.
"But I am going to the Paralympics nevertheless, I think it's going to be awesome."
The IAAF said athletes have until July 23rf to qualify for the Aug 8th-24th Games. CAS is set to make a decision in time for Pistorius to attempt to qualify.