South Africa's Oscar Pistorius has become the first double amputee to compete on the track at an Olympic Games, qualifying for the men's 400 metre semi-final.
Pistorius, who has been nicknamed 'Blade Runner', was born without a fibula in both legs and races wearing carbon fibre prosthetic blades.
The 25-year-old raced to huge cheers and looked comfortable throughout as he qualified for the semi-finals with a time of 45.44 seconds, Reuters reports.
His time beat a previous season's best of 45.52.
Pistorius says he was on the verge of tears after the race.
"It was the most amazing experience, the crowd was amazing. I saw the South African flag... Just the experience of being here is a dream come true."
In 2008, Pistorius successfully appealed against an International Amateur Athletics Federation decision to ban him from running in able-bodied events.
He is also competing in South Africa's 4x400 metre relay team.
