Oscar Leonard Carl Pistorius, widely known as Oscar Pistorius, is a professional sprinter known for his incredible athletic ability and the inspirational story of being a double amputee.
However, his career and reputation were ruined when he was convicted of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
The tragedy landed him in prison, ending his once promising sporting career.
File
- Full name: Oscar Leonard Carl Pistorius
- Stage name: Oscar Pistorius
- Date of birth: November 22, 1986
- Age: 37 years old
- Place of birth: Sandton, Johannesburg
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: professional sprinter
- Height: 1.75m
- Parents: Sheila Pistorius, Henke Pistorius
- Siblings: Aimée Pistorius, Carl Pistorius
- Spouse: Reeva Steenkamp
- Children: None
- Relationship: Single
- Net Worth: $150,000
Early life and education
Oscar Pistorius is a former South African sprinter born on 22 November 1986 in Sandton, Johannesburg.
He was raised by his parents, Sheila and Henke Pistorius, and grew up with two siblings, Aimée and Carl Pistorius. He attended Pretoria Boys’ High School and later graduated from the University of Pretoria.
Pistorius gained world fame as a Paralympic athlete, winning multiple gold medals and breaking numerous records.
However, his career and reputation were ruined by the tragic death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013, for which he was convicted of manslaughter.
Career
Oscar Pistorius, also known as “Blade Runner”, started running in 2004 to recover from a rugby injury.
Despite having both legs amputated, Pistorius quickly became a dominant force in Paralympic sprinting using specially designed carbon fibre running blades.
He won multiple Paralympic gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 400m events at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Games, cementing his status as one of the greatest Paralympic athletes ever.
Despite facing many challenges and criticism from the IAAF, Pistorius was determined to compete with non-disabled athletes at the Olympics.
He believes that his blade does not give him an unfair advantage and that he should have the same opportunities as other athletes.
After a long battle, Pistorius finally achieved his goal and competed in the 2012 London Olympics, making history as the first amputee to do so.
Despite his achievements and fame as a Paralympic athlete, Oscar Pistorius will always be remembered for the tragic events that occurred at his home in 2013.
The case shocked the world and drew attention to the issue of domestic violence. Pistorius’ case also sparked debate about the South African justice system and the treatment of people with disabilities in the legal system.
Awards and nominations
Paralympics:
Athens 2004:
- Gold medal in 200m race (T44)
- Bronze medal in 100m run (T44)
Beijing 2008:
- Gold medal in 100m race (T44)
- Gold medal in 200m race (T44)
- Gold medal in 400m race (T44)
London 2012:
- Gold medal in 4 x 100m relay (T42-T46)
- Silver medal in 400m (T44)
IAAF World Championships:
- 2011 Daegu: Silver medal in the 4 x 400 meter relay. Pistorius becomes the first amputee to win a world non-disabled athletics medal.
Other Awards and Nominations
- Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award (winner 2012, nominated 2008)
- Laureus World Sports Award for Breakthrough of the Year: Nominated 2008
- BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award: Awarded in 2007 (later withdrawn)
- Order of Ikhamanga Bronze (OIB): Awarded in 2006
Social media
- Instagram Name: @Oscarpistorius
- Facebook Name: Oscar Pistorius
- Twitter username: Oscar Pistorius (@OscarPistorius)
Personal life
Pistorius, 37, was most famously in a relationship with model Reeva Steenkamp. They began dating in 2012, but tragically, in 2013, Pistorius shot and killed Steenkamp at his home.
The incident led to a controversial and highly publicized trial, in which Pistorius was initially convicted of manslaughter (similar to manslaughter) and later of murder. Pistorius has no known children.
Net worth
Pistorius’ release from prison was controversial, as many believed he was not properly punished for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
Additionally, his net worth of $150,000 raises questions about privilege and access to resources in the criminal justice system.
The decision to release Pistorius has sparked much debate and criticism from the public and victims’ rights groups.
