The website's list showcases individuals from all walks of life and the 2011 edition is based on more than 200,000 reader votes, as well as deliberation by the site's editorial staff.

Number one on the list was Apple founder Steve Jobs, who died earlier this month, at the age of 56, with an estimated net worth of $8.3 billion (£5.2 billion/€5.9 billion).

Pistorius, 24, a double leg-amputee, became the first Paralympian to compete at an able-bodied World Championship earlier this year, when he reached the 400 metre semi-final in Daegu, Korea.

He also won a medal at the event, helping South Africa to silver in the 4x400m relay.

Pistorius looks increasingly likely to become the first double-leg amputee to compete in athletics at the Olympic Games, at London 2012.

"This is a great honour to be named as one of the 49 most influential men of 2011 by AskMen," said Pistorius.

"Thank you to all the readers who have voted for me. This is truly humbling."

Pistorius was also recently named South Africa's Best Dressed Man by GQ magazine, highlighting his growing influence in the fashion world. Earlier this year, he became the new face of the fragrance A*Men by Thierry Mugler.

As part of the promotion for the scent, Pistorius shot a futuristic advertising campaign in Ali Mahdavi, in Paris, for which new futuristic blades were designed for him. The trailer has had nearly 30,000 hits on YouTube and can be viewed by clicking here. 

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