Oscar Pistorius was released from prison on parole 11 years after killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The Blade Runner was escorted out of Atteridgeville Correctional Centre and taken to his new home on the estate of his uncle Arnold Pistorius outside Pretoria, some 11 years after he shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

He was granted an early release from prison on November 24, 2023, after a parole board review determined the 37-year-old was fit for social reintegration.

Before killing Steenkamp, Pistorius was a decorated athlete with an astounding six gold Paralympics medals to his name – as well as being the tenth athlete in history to compete in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

Mail Sport breaks down whether or not Pistorius will be able to compete at the games.

Oscar Pistorius (pictured in the dock in 2013) has been released from prison after 11 years for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

Oscar Pistorius (pictured in the dock in 2013) has been released from prison after 11 years for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

Oscar Pistorius (pictured in the dock in 2013) has been released from prison after 11 years for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

South African Olympic Oscar Pistorius, right, and girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp arrive for an awards ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2012 (file photo). Pistorius shot and killed Steenkamp through a bathroom door in 2013

South African Olympic Oscar Pistorius, right, and girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp arrive for an awards ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2012 (file photo). Pistorius shot and killed Steenkamp through a bathroom door in 2013

South African Olympic Oscar Pistorius, right, and girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp arrive for an awards ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2012 (file photo). Pistorius shot and killed Steenkamp through a bathroom door in 2013

What is the eligibility for athletes competing at the 2024 Paralympic Games?

In order to compete in the Paralympic Games, athletes must hold an active World Para Athletics Athlete Licence for the 2024 season. They must also be internationally classified before August 5 2024 in an eligible Sport Class with a Sport Class status that is either confirmed or pending review.

As well as that, they must have reached the entry standard in a performance at a World Para Athletics recognised competition between October 2022 and August 2024.

However, there is also the possibility of exemption from the third criterion if an athlete is accepted under the ‘Bipartite Commission Invitation’ method. This is offered with discretion to, among other circumstances, top athletes who may not have had the chance to formally qualify due to extraordinary circumstances.

His exact parole conditions remain unknown as of yet – but it is likely he will need special dispensation to be permitted to start competing again.

Singabakho Nxumalo, a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections, explained that the Paralympian would not be allowed to leave Pretoria without permission for five years.

‘Parole does not mean the end of the sentence,’ he said. ‘It is still part of the sentence. It only means the inmate will complete the sentence outside a correctional facility.’

Before his conviction, Pistorius was a record-breaking para athlete and had competed in both the Paralympic and Olympic Games in 2012

Before his conviction, Pistorius was a record-breaking para athlete and had competed in both the Paralympic and Olympic Games in 2012

Before his conviction, Pistorius was a record-breaking para athlete and had competed in both the Paralympic and Olympic Games in 2012

How can Pistorius become eligible?

Between January 5 and the start of the Paris Games, the major opportunity Pistorius could have to qualify for the competition would be at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan.

However, the former sprinter could find his chances stymied by the entry requirements for this competition too, with the championships in Japan having similar requirements around performances of entry standard between 2023 and 2024.

Even if Pistorius meets the requirements set out by the organisers of the Paralympic Committee, they do not ultimately have the final say on whether the 37-year-old travels to the games.

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee will decide on the team they are bringing to Paris. 

Their final decision will be driven by the desire to win as the optimum number of medals. Picking Pistorius just six months after he was granted parole could prove to be a divisive move.

The decision on Pistorius representing South Africa sits with the sport's national committee

The decision on Pistorius representing South Africa sits with the sport's national committee

The decision on Pistorius representing South Africa sits with the sport’s national committee

Could he compete at the World Para Athletics Championships? 

The World Para Athletics Championships will take place in Japan in May. It is unlikely that the 37-year-old will be allowed a discretionary place competing at the championships due to the location of the event.

Japan has some of the strictest rulings against travellers with criminal convictions entering the country. Article 5 Category 5.2 of Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act more specifically reserves the right to refuse entry to the country to participants in international competitions who have been convicted for murder.

It is unlikely Pistorius will be involved at World Para Athletics Championships in Japan as the country has some of the strictest rulings against travellers with criminal convictions

It is unlikely Pistorius will be involved at World Para Athletics Championships in Japan as the country has some of the strictest rulings against travellers with criminal convictions

It is unlikely Pistorius will be involved at World Para Athletics Championships in Japan as the country has some of the strictest rulings against travellers with criminal convictions

When is the Paralympic Games?

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will get underway on Wednesday, August 28.

With more than 4,000 athletes set to be involved, the Paralympic Games will draw to a close on Sunday, September 8.

Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Mail Online

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Margie Ross

Margie Ross was an American celebrity mother. Margie Ross was famous as…

Maeve Higgins – Actress, Comedian | Wiki, Age, Height, Net Worth, Husband/Boyfriend, Ethnicity, Career, Movies, TV Shows, Facts, Awards, Nationality

Quick Facts of Maeve Higgins Age: 42 years  Birth Date: March 24, 1981…

Angelica Nwandu

Table of Bio/Wiki Angelica Nwandu is a well-known American businesswoman who founded…

Bang Si-Hyuk Biography

Facts About Bang Si-Hyuk <!– –> Bang Si-hyuk is a South-Korean songwriter, lyricist,…