Surrendering a second Paralympic title in London, a chastened Oscar Pistorius was gracious in defeat this time.

Four days after suggesting a rival cheated to take away his 200-meter title, the icon of the Paralympic movement didn't even make the podium after the showpiece 100 final on Thursday.

The 2008 Beijing champion had to settle for fourth place in the Olympic Stadium, even finishing behind compatriot Arnu Fourie, who made the podium in an individual event for the first time by finishing third.

It was British teenager Jonnie Peacock who claimed the glory, roared to gold by an 80,000-strong home crowd in 10.90 seconds, while Richard Brownie of the United States took silver.

"For me not to be able to defend my title, but to see a performance and to be beaten by an athlete like that, makes me extremely happy," Pistorius said of the 19-year-old Peacock. "He really epitomizes professional sprinting _ not just as a Paralympic athlete but as one of the world's best.

"And to be part of that race, even if I didn't finish on the podium, was a blessing."

The 25-year-old double amputee was not bothered about being upstaged by roommate Fourie, who was two years his senior.

"I saw my name come up in third place when we crossed the line and I was quite happy ... and when I actually saw that Arnu had beaten me I think I was more happy that I came fourth," Pistorius said.

"I am going to celebrate his medal with him tonight."

The congeniality was a far cry from the bitterness on Sunday in the stadium when Pistorius accused 200 winner Alan Oliveira of using lengthened blades as he was dethroned as Paralympic champion. The Brazilian could place only seventh in the shorter sprint.

"I think the sport has been appreciated a lot more now, and we can focus on proper performances," Pistorius said of the row. "And we saw a proper performance by Jonnie Peacock tonight ... I just got beaten by three better guys."

Asked if it was the end of his dominance, Pistorius replied: "Most definitely. I haven't dominated the 100 in about three years."

But he did anchor the South Africa team to victory in the 4x100 relay on Wednesday.

The priority in London for Pistorius has always been on defending the third of his Beijing titles in the 400 meters.

"I'm desperate for that," Pistorius said before adding: "People place a lot of emphasis on the 100 meters. For me, I place that emphasis on my 400 ... I will give the crowd the best 400 they have seen."

Saturday's final is now his only chance only chance of individual glory at the biggest-ever Paralympics

The London Games have sold more tickets, brought in more revenue and been broadcast in more countries than any previous games.

Around 45 million pounds ($71.7 million) is expected to be raised in ticket sales at the games, exceeding initial expectations of 35 million pounds ($55.7 million), organizers said Thursday.

More than 2.7 million tickets have already been sold, surpassing the previous best-attended games in Beijing four years ago by 900,000, while the 2012 Games have been broadcast in more than 100 countries.