Oscar Pistorius Reflects on Fateful Valentine’s Day as Parole Continues

Oscar Pistorius, the former Paralympic gold medallist, continues to grapple with the events of a fateful Valentine’s Day over a decade ago. The tragic incident, in which he shot and killed his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in Pretoria in 2013, marked a turning point in Pistorius’s life of fame and success.

Sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison in 2014 for the murder, Pistorius was released on parole from Atteridgeville Correctional Centre on January 5, 2024, after serving almost nine years of his term. He now resides under the custody of his uncle Arnold Pistorius in Pretoria.

Since his release, Pistorius has maintained a low profile, staying out of the public eye. Sources close to him have revealed that the athlete, nicknamed Blade Runner for his carbon-fibre running blades, is facing challenges and anxiety as he navigates life post-incarceration.

The adjustment to life outside prison has been tough for Pistorius. He spends most of his time at his uncle’s estate in Silver Lakes, engaging in activities like reading the Bible, playing video games, and watching Premier League football matches to pass the time.

Valentine’s Day holds a poignant memory for Pistorius, as it was on this day in 2013 that he inadvertently ended Steenkamp’s life in a tragic shooting before opening the Valentine’s gift and card she had given him. Details emerged during the trial that Pistorius only opened the card and gift on Steenkamp’s birthday months after her death.

Pistorius’s agent, Peet van Zyl, mentioned that the athlete’s time away from competitive sports has taken a toll on his physical condition, with reports suggesting his legs have shrunk due to inactivity. Despite rumors of weight gain and smoking, Pistorius is expected to resume training, although not with the intention of returning to professional athletics.