Oscar Pistorius, the double amputee runner, will appeal his Olympic ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a landmark case this month.

The South African 400m runner was told he would not be able to compete against able-bodied athletes at the Beijing games this year as the 'cheetah blades' on which he runs are thought to give him an advantage. But Pistorius and his legal team hope to get the ban overturned after consulting a team of world-renowned experts.

"I am very appreciative of the Court of Arbitration for Sport setting a schedule that will allow a decision in time for me to pursue my goal of qualifying for the Olympics," Pistorius said.

"This case is important not just to me, but to all disabled persons who just ask for the chance to compete fairly on the sporting field with able-bodied athletes."

Jeffrey Kessler, one of Pistorius's legal team, added: "We look forward to presenting the evidence to the panel. Oscar will finally get his chance to be heard."