Oscar Pistorius record smashed by NZ's Liam Malone at Rio Games

New Zealand's Liam Malone has broken a Paralympic Games record held by Oscar Pistorius, wearing blades bought thanks to donations from members of the public.

The 22-year-old won gold in the men's 200m T44 final in a time of 21.06 seconds, surpassing the infamous South African's previous record of 21.30 seconds.

Malone paid tribute to the kindness of strangers after his victory at the Olympic Stadium in Rio.

The 22-year-old ran more than a second and a half quicker in Rio than at the world championships nine months ago. Credit: Reuters

"I wouldn't be here without those blades in the first instance," he said. "I'm filled with gratitude to everyone who invested in me from the start."

Malone's gold was his second medal of the Rio Games after he collected silver behind ParalympicsGB's Jonnie Peacock in the 100m on Friday.

He will look to add a third when he races in his favoured 400m event.

Liam Malone will look to add a third medal to his silver and gold when he races in the 400m. Credit: Reuters

Pistorius - now notorious for the 2013 murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp - had set the previous 200m T44 record in the semi-final at London 2012.

He was beaten by Brazil's Alan Fonteles Oliveira to gold in the final as he collected silver.

Oscar Pistorius served almost 10 years in prison for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp. Credit: Reuters