The 23-year-old shot to fame by claiming the 200 and 400 metres T44 titles at last year's Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, while he also finished with a silver medal in the 100m.

His two victories were achieved in Paralympic record times, bettering the marks set by disgraced South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius.

Malone was one of New Zealand's biggest medal hopes for the World Para Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place at the Olympic Stadium from July 14 to 23.

A leg injury, which he has been struggling with for most of the year, has officially ended his chances of competing in London and he has not been named in New Zealand's squad for the event.

New Zealand's now six-strong team contains five athletes who won a medal at Rio 2016, including women's long jump T47 champion Anna Grimaldi.

Paralympic javelin F46 silver medallist Holly Robinson, javelin F44 silver medallist Rory McSweeney and shot put F34 bronze medallist Jessica Hamill have also been named.

William Stedman, winner of two bronze medals in Rio, is set to compete in the 400m and 800m T36, along with newcomer Keegan Pitcher.

Malone, who was named as New Zealand's Disabled Sportsperson of the Year following his success at the Paralympics in Rio, is targeting becoming the fastest man in the world over 400m - with or without blades.

He told 1 news that he would look to "science the hell" out of it in the build-up to Tokyo 2020. 

Malone would have to substantially improve his time if he is to become the quickest athlete over one lap of the track as he won the 400m title at Rio 2016 in 46.20sec.

That was some way short of South African sensation Wayde van Niekerk, who powered to victory in the able-bodied race with a world record time of 43.03 in the Brazilian city.