Monday 20 May 2013

Oscar Pistorius will not compete for the rest of the year


Oscar Pistorius

Oscar Pistorius will not compete for the rest of the year

Paralympic gold medallist Oscar Pistorius will not compete again this year as he awaits trial for murder.
Pistorius, 26, is on bail after being charged with the murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, but can compete before his court case is heard.
His agent, Peet van Zyl, said the six-time Paralympic champion was not mentally ready to return to the track.
"There was never any pressure from me or his coach (Ampie Louw) to return, it's his decision," said Van Zyl.

Oscar Pistorius - the athlete

Oscar Pistorius
• Pistorius had his lower legs amputated at the age of 11 months, having been born without a fibula in either leg
• His parents, Henke and Sheila, were advised that having the amputation done before he had learned to walk would be less traumatic
• By the age of two, Pistorius had his first pair of prosthetic legs
• He played water polo and rugby in secondary school. He also played cricket, tennis, took part in triathlons and Olympic club wrestling and was an enthusiastic boxer
• In June 2003, he shattered his knee playing rugby and on the advice of doctors took up track running to aid his rehabilitation
• Pistorius has won six Paralympic gold medals
It means the South African will not compete in the IPC World Championships in Lyon in July.
Pistorius was arrested after shooting Steenkamp dead on 14 February.
The athlete, known as Blade Runner, claimed he mistook Steenkamp for a burglar and has denied murder.
On 22 February Pistorius was granted bail and had certain conditions lifted which meant he could compete in events outside his homeland.
Pistorious's coach was quoted by Eye Witness News in South Africa as saying his athlete was "nowhere close" to being in a position to train.
The double amputee had not been invited to compete in July's London Anniversary Games, with UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner saying he did not want the meeting to turn into a "media circus".
However, his agent said meeting organisers had been in touch with the view of inviting Pistorius to compete in their events.
"[There] were a good number, enough to keep him busy through the year," added Zyl.
The Paralympian is next due in court on 4 June and a trial is expected to take place before the end of this year.

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