Convicted South African murderer, Oscar Pistorius, will be released from prison after serving half of his sentence for the 2013 murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. He is seeking a fresh start. However, he will likely be derided by the public if he plans to compete. To his benefit, part of the conditions of his parole — which runs to 2029 — is to do no interviews or media.
BREAKING: Oscar Pistorius has been released from prison on parole this morning according to South Africa’s correctional services department. pic.twitter.com/ffYXK40Bru
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 5, 2024
Pistorius lost his legs as a child. Both of his feet were amputated when he was 11 months old as a result of a congenital defect; he was born missing the outside of both feet and both fibulae. Later he became known as the Blade Runner for his carbon-fibre prosthetics, which allowed him to sprint, perhaps gaining an unfair advantage.
Pistorius went on to make it into the semi-finals of the 2012 London Olympics. He has opted for parole after serving half of his 13-year, five-month sentence. He pleaded not guilty in the trial that led to his imprisonment and has maintained his innocence.
He won his first world medal at the age of 18 in the double-amputee category. He wanted more and took on able-bodied athletes, with good results. He gained sponsors and was featured prominently by Nike in marketing and advertising.
His biggest performance was during the 2012 London Olympic Games, in the semi-finals in the 400-metre event and the final in the 4×400 relay against able-bodied athletes.
