Oscar Pistorius, who awaits trial for murder, will not compete this year, confirms agent
The six-time Paralympic gold medallist was charged with the premeditated murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Oscar Pistorius will not compete again this year as he awaits trial for murder, despite receiving a number of meeting invitations, his agent has confirmed.
Peet van Zyl told Press Association Sport the 26-year-old was not mentally ready to return to the track.
The six-time Paralympic gold medallist was charged with the premeditated murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February and is awaiting trial.
"There was never any pressure from me or his coach (Ampie Louw) to return to competition, it's his decision and it's his decision not to compete," Van Zyl said.
It means Pistorius will not compete in the IPC World Championships in Lyon in July.
Pistorius, who competed at both the Olympics and Paralympics at London 2012, had his bail conditions relaxed in March to allow him to travel abroad for competitions.
But asked if he was mentally ready to race again, Van Zyl said: "No, of course not".
Coach Louw was quoted by Eye Witness News in South Africa as saying: "He is nowhere close to being in a position to train. He just does fitness exercises in the morning with his family."
Van Zyl also revealed to Press Association Sport that meeting organisers had been in touch to invite Pistorius to their events.
He did not reveal where the invitations were from, but said there were "a good number, enough to keep him busy through the year".
Pistorius is next due in court on June 4, with a trial expected to take place before the end of this year.
The double amputee claims he shot 29-year-old Ms Steenkamp after mistaking her for an intruder.
The South African sprinter will also now definitely miss the able-bodied World Championships in Moscow in August.
He might have had the opportunity to compete in the Russian capital, with governing body the IAAF saying he would have been regarded as "innocent until proven guilty" and "free to run" were he to achieve the qualifying standard, but in truth the chances of that happening given the circumstances were remote.
Pistorius won two gold medals at London 2012 in the 400 metres and the 4x100m relay, but made just as many headlines for his comments about the length of rival Alan Oliveira's blades straight after the Brazilian shocked him in the 200m which were viewed by many as sour grapes.
He will now miss out on the year when the Paralympic movement looks to capitalise on the success of the London Games, although any appearance at the IPC World Championships would have undoubtedly overshadowed the event itself.
UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner had already ruled out inviting Pistorius to the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games at the Olympic Stadium at the end of July for fear of it becoming a "media circus".
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments