Silver lining for axed Pistorius as US land 10th successive 4x400m relay win

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 09:23 EST, 2 September 2011

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LaShawn Merritt ran a stunning anchor leg, storming down the final 100 metres to overhaul Jamaican and South African rivals to win a 10th successive world 4x400metre relay title for the United States.

Double-amputee Oscar Pistorius, who helped South Africa reach the final, had been dropped but still goes home with a medal after featuring in the qualifying rounds.

The Americans had trailed in third place for much of the previous 1,500 metres but Merritt, who lost his 400m title earlier in the week, kicked off the final bend to ensure his country retained the title in two minutes 59.31 seconds.

Extra Merritt: America continued their dominance of the 4x400m relay

South Africa, who had dropped double amputee Oscar Pistorius for the final, finished with the silver medal when L.J. Van Zyl crossed the line in 2.59.87.

Jamaica's anchor Leford Green finished a nose behind the South African in 3.00.10 to claim the bronze medal.

Flying the flag: Merritt had to come from third place to take gold

South African sprinter LJ van Zyl defended the decision to drop Pistorius from South Africa's 4x400 metres relay squad for the World Championship final in Daegu.

Pistorius, who ran the first leg of Thursday's heats as South Africa recorded a national record of two minutes 59.21 seconds, revealed on Twitter he would not be running in the final.

The 24-year-old wrote: 'Haven't been included in the final for the SA Mens 4x400m. Pretty Guttered (sic). Receiving a lot of questions I don't know the answers too. Have the 2nd fastest time in SA and ran a 45.3 this week.

'Was team management's choice. I wish my team-mates all the best tonight, they all great sprinters and I hope they able to get on the podium!'

Out in the cold: Pistorius missed the final, but still takes home a silver medal

That wish at least came true, with Van Zyl running the anchor leg as South Africa claimed silver behind the United States.

'We had the agreement before the first round that the slowest guy in the heats on the splits is not going to run the final and I'm going to take his place,' said Van Zyl.

'I've always run the last leg for the last six years. Unfortunately Oscar's split was a 46.2 and he was the unlucky one who had to sit out.

'He's also going to get a medal and I think he's going to be very, very happy. He's only allowed to run the first leg in the relay and he's not the fastest guy out of the blocks. It was a decision by the management and everyone in the team was happy.'