Oscar Pistorius’s Olympic Dreams are finally coming true. Yesterday it was announced that the South African Olympic committee and national track federation has added Pistorius to their Olympic roster to compete in the 400 and 4x400m relay against able bodied competition at the 2012 London Olympics.

Pistorius, a double amputee who runs on carbon fiber blades, has spent the last years fighting IAAF rulings that he carries an advantage in his prosthetic legs. In 2008 he was ruled ineligible for international competition against able bodied competitors, which included that year’s Olympic Games in Beijing. The decision would eventually be overturned, however since Pistorius didn’t have the necessary A standard, wasn’t selected as a member of the South African team.

In the summer of 2011 Pistorius would have his breakthrough performance. At a meeting in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, Pistorius ran a personal best of 45.07, hitting the Olympic A standard and was placed on the 400m and 4x400 relay teams for South Africa at the 2011 World Championships. While there Pistorius failed to advance out of prelims in the open 400, but was a member of the 2nd place finishing 4x400, making him the first amputee to medal in able bodied competition. However he was left off the 4x400 in the finals which caused somewhat of an uproar.

South Africa is known for having over-the-top Olympic Qualifying standards. Athletes hoping to secure they’re spot on the team have to run beneath the Olympic A standard 3 times before being allowed on the team. With last years’ 45.07 performance and this year’s season opener of 45.20, Pistorius missed hitting his necessary 3rd mark by a quarter second at last week’s African Championships.

The South African Olympic committee overlooked it, and now the man who had both lower limbs taken from him when he was 11 months old will get to test his legs against the world’s best in London.

Their last minute decision has left Pistorius elated, and rightfully so.        

 “To have been selected to represent Team South Africa at the London 2012 Olympic Games in the individual 400m and the 4x400m relay is a real honor and I am so pleased that years of hard work, determination and sacrifice have all come together,” said Pistorius.

If Pistorius lives up to his reputation, he won’t be satisfied with just making it to the Olympics. The Blade Runners steadfast determination and overwhelming tenacity will be on display for all to see, and it will surely be a show none will want to miss.

Today is really on of the happiest days of my life! Will be in @London2012 for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games!

— Oscar Pistorius (@OscarPistorius) July 4, 2012