South African double amputee Oscar Pistorius failed to qualify for the Olympic Games men's 400m final on Sunday.
The 25-year-old had on Saturday become the first double amputee to compete in an athletics event at the Olympics, but he was never in contention in his semi-final and finished last in a time of 46.54sec.
Pistorius, though, was far from disappointed at bowing out.
"The whole experience is mind-blowing," said Pistorius, who had been supported in London by his 89-year-old grandmother.
"My aim was to make the semi-final. It's a dream come true. Thanks to everyone for their support. I've got the (4x400m) relay in a few days."
There was a touching moment after the race as Grenada's world champion Kirani James asked to swap bibs with the South African.
"As soon as we crossed the line, we're friends," said Pistorius.
"It was very kind of him. We share a similar life. It's what the Olympics is all about. It's great to make good friends."
James, who last year became the youngest ever world or Olympic champion in the event at 18 when he won in Daegu, said that Pistorius deserved all the accolades.
"He's an inspiration to all of us. He is very special to our sport," he said.
"He's a down-to-earth guy and a great individual."
Nicknamed 'The Blade Runner' because he runs on carbon fibre blades fought a long battle to be allowed to run in the Olympics.
A panel of experts finally declared he could compete as long as he used the same pair of blades he used in the Paralympic Games.
