Oscar Pistorius apologises for timing of blade criticism

Oscar Pistorius shakes hands with gold medalist Alan Fonteles Cardoso Oliveira today at the Olympic Stadium Credit: David Davies/PA Wire/Press Association Images

South Africa's Oscar Pistorius has said sorry for the timing of his comments about the length of blades used by Alan Fonteles Oliveira who beat him to gold in the T44 200 metres.

Pistorius made the comments immediately after the race last night.

But he admitted this morning he should never have not have detracted from "another athlete's moment of triumph".

The length of running blades used by athletes for the Paralympics is worked out using a complex formula based on the proportions of the body. But Pistorius also competes in the able-bodied competition and if he changes the length of blades he could breach the rules and unable to take part.

Craig Spence from the International Paralympic Committee explained to Alastair Stewart that he would have to keep the same blades to compete in both.

After the race the International Paralympic Committee tweeted a photo which show the maximum heights allowed for individual athletes. They show Oscar Pistorius at a height of 193.5cm and Alan Fonteles Oliveira at 185.4cm.

The official Twitter account of the Paralympics tweeted this photo clarifying blade measurements Credit: Twitter

The Brazilian hit back at Pistorius on Sunday night, suggesting he was trying to deflect attention away from his defeat.

The pair are on course to go head to head again in the finals of the 100m and 400m on Thursday and Saturday respectively.