That is the ruling of the German Athletics Federation (DLV), which has dropped him from the team despite him winning the long jump competition at the German nationals last weekend.

He jumped 8.24 metres, which should have meant he could compete against able-bodied long jumpers in Zurich at the European Championships.

But the DLV President, Clemens Prokop, has claimed the prosthesis used by Rehm - who had his right leg amputated below the knee after a boating accident aged 14 - presents a "significant difference" versus so-called natural jumps.

Prokop added biometric measurements carried out at the nationals in Ulm showed Rehm's prosthesis might give him an unfair "catapult effect" that would allow him to jump bigger distances.

"I find it a pity and disappointing," said Rehm, who won F42/F44 long jump gold at London 2012.

Oscar Pistorius won a Court of Arbitration for Sport appeal allowing him to compete at the London 2012 Olympics ©Getty Images



He has indicated he might appeal the decision ahead Of the Championships, which are due to take place from August 12 to 17.

The German Federation of Disabled Sport described the decision as a "backward step".

Rehm's case draw parallels with Oscar Pistorius, who was ultimately allowed to compete alongside able-bodied athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games in the 400 metres and 4x400m relay, despite running on prosthesis.

The International Association of Athletics Federations had banned him from running with able-bodied athletes, before Pistorius successfully won his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.