Pistorius fails to get qualifying time

MILAN, Italy (AP) -- Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius slowed on the final straight in his first able-bodied race in nearly a year, finishing fourth and well outside the Olympic qualifying time.

The South African finished in 47.78 seconds at a 400-meter race at the Milan Notturna meeting in Italy on Wednesday.

He needs a time of 45.55 to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, while his lifetime best time currently stands at 46.36.

Fiorenzo Moscatelli of Italy won the race in 47.26 seconds on a hot and muggy night at Milan's historic Arena.

Pistorius resumed training six weeks ago when sports' highest court ruled he was eligible to compete in Beijing.

"I'm disappointed with my time," Pistorius said. "I've only had a month and a half to train, but I didn't expect it to be this bad.

"I let myself down. I've got to be realistic. I'm chasing something that may be unattainable. It's starting to look impossible."

Pistorius led at the final turn, but faded in the last 100m. Afterwards, he sat down in disappointment for several minutes on the infield.

"I went out too fast and I didn't have any energy left at the end," Pistorius said. "I've got to go back and take a look at my tactics. Usually I have a slower start."

Pistorius' next qualifying attempt will come at the Golden Gala meet in Rome next week (July 11). "Rome will be a better race," he said.

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