Oscar Pistorius

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Oscar Pistorius is a South African former sprinter who became famous for racing with carbon-fiber blades after both legs were amputated below the knee when he was a baby. Known as the Blade Runner, he was the first double-amputee to compete in both the Paralympics and the Olympic Games.

Born in 1986 in Johannesburg, Pistorius grew up missing parts of both feet and legs. He began running in 2004 and quickly rose to prominence in Paralympic sport, setting records and winning multiple gold medals. His achievements include Paralympic medals in 2004, 2008 and 2012, with world records in several short-distance events. He also tried to compete against runners without disabilities and, after a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, participated in the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the first double-amputee to compete there. He helped South Africa win medals in the 4x400 relay and carried his country’s flag at major ceremonies.

Pistorius faced controversy over whether his running blades gave him an unfair advantage. In 2008, the IAAF briefly banned the prosthetics, but the decision was overturned on appeal, and he continued to compete under IAAF rules.

In February 2013, Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, saying he mistook her for an intruder. His trial began in 2014. He was initially found guilty of culpable homicide (a lesser charge than murder) and given a prison term. On appeal, the conviction was changed to murder, and his sentence was increased after further court hearings. He remained in prison for several years and was released on parole in January 2024 after serving about eight and a half years, with conditions that last until his sentence ends.

Outside sports, Pistorius had sponsorships, wrote memoirs, and appeared in media projects. His case attracted global attention and sparked debates about disability, sport, and accountability.