Oscar Pistorius: The Rise and Fall of the Blade Runner and His Life After Prison
Oscar Pistorius, famously known as the “Blade Runner,” was once a celebrated South African sprinter who captivated the world with his remarkable athletic achievements despite being a double amputee. Wearing carbon-fiber prosthetic blades, Pistorius competed in both the Paralympic and Olympic Games, breaking barriers and inspiring millions. However, his fame took a tragic turn when he fatally shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on February 14, 2013.
Who is Oscar Pistorius?
Born with a congenital condition called fibular hemimelia, Pistorius had both legs amputated below the knees before his first birthday. Determined and resilient, he learned to walk on prosthetics and later became an elite athlete. After excelling in various sports, Pistorius turned to track and field and quickly rose to global fame.
At just 17 years old, he won gold at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. In 2012, he made history as the first double amputee to compete in the Olympic Games in London, running against able-bodied athletes. His performance sparked debates over whether his prosthetic limbs gave him a competitive edge, but his story inspired many worldwide.
The Shooting of Reeva Steenkamp
On Valentine’s Day 2013, Pistorius shot and killed Reeva Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and law graduate, at his home in Pretoria, South Africa. Pistorius claimed he mistook her for an intruder hiding in the bathroom. He fired four shots through a locked toilet door, three of which struck Steenkamp.
Prosecutors alleged that the killing was intentional, following an argument between the couple. Pistorius, however, maintained it was a tragic accident. During the 2014 trial, he testified that he acted out of fear, believing an intruder was in the house.
Initially, Judge Thokozile Masipa found Pistorius guilty of culpable homicide—a charge similar to manslaughter—and sentenced him to five years in prison. But after appeals from prosecutors, South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal upgraded the conviction to murder in 2015, resulting in a six-year sentence. Following further appeals, his sentence was increased in 2017 to 15 years, with credit for time already served, reducing it to 13 years and five months.
Where is Oscar Pistorius Now?
In January 2024, Oscar Pistorius was released on parole after serving over a decade behind bars at Atteridgeville Correctional Centre. Under South African parole laws, he is not required to wear an electronic monitor, but authorities are closely supervising his activities.
Currently, Pistorius is living with his uncle in Waterkloof, a wealthy suburb of Pretoria. He is bound by strict parole conditions until his sentence officially ends in 2029. These include travel restrictions, a ban on alcohol consumption, mandatory anger management courses, community service, and a prohibition on media interviews.
Reeva Steenkamp’s Family Response
While Pistorius has retreated from the public eye, Reeva Steenkamp’s family continues to feel the impact of her loss. Her mother, June Steenkamp, has voiced both her sorrow and forgiveness. In a statement following his parole release, she said, “There can never be justice if your loved one is never coming back… We, who remain behind, are the ones serving a life sentence.”