The World Championships will begin tomorrow with Pistorius set to take to the track for the first time on Sunday (August 28) in the 400m heats when he will become the first ever double leg amputee to compete at the able-bodied event.

Pistorius is also set to compete in the South African 4x400m relay next week on September 1 but the 24-year-old will have run in the first leg so that his carbon fibre prosthetic legs do not accidentally harm other athletes.

"This person is a particular case," said Diack.

"The only thing we said to the South African federation is that if he wants to run in the relay, he must run the first leg to avoid danger to other athletes."

Pistorius though, remains focussed on his preparation and the four-time Paralympic gold medallist admits he has had a fantastic time in Daegu so far.

"I've been blown away by the reception I have received since I landed in South Korea and have been humbled by everyone who has greeted me so warmly and wished me well," said Pistorius, who clocked a personal best of 45.07seconds in Lignano in Italy last month to qualify for the event.

"I'm feeling in good shape and am really excited about finally getting out on the track and testing myself against some of the best athletes in the world.

"It's been a busy six weeks since I ran the qualifying time in Italy - there has been a lot of comments and interest in my achievements but the past is behind me and I am very excited about competing in my first race on Sunday.

"I am taking each round as it comes - I hope to run close to my personal best but its consistency that I'm really working on.

"If I can progress through the heats in a consistent way with my times I will have done the job I have come here to do."

Pistorius has also received support from American 400m world record holder Michael Johnson ahead of the event.

Johnson, who claimed four Olympic golds and eight world titles in an astonishing career, said Pistorius deserves to be at the event despite the criticism suggesting his prosthetic legs give him an unfair advantage over able-bodied sprinters.

"I've known Oscar for a number of years now and I think it is amazing what he has achieved in qualifying for the IAAF World Championships this year," said Johnson.

"He's in fantastic shape, has trained so hard to get here, deserves to be competing and I am delighted to see him here and wish him every luck on the track."

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