Can Oscar Pistorius return to athletics after the Paralympian was released on parole 11 years after murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp?

Oscar Pistorius was released on parole for eleven years after murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

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

He was released early from prison on November 24, 2023, after a parole assessment found the 37-year-old was suitable for social reintegration.

Before he killed Steenkamp, ​​Pistorius was a decorated athlete with a whopping six Paralympic gold medals to his name – and was the tenth athlete in history to compete in both the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Mail Sport indicates whether or not Pistorius can participate in the games.

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

What are athletes competing in the 2024 Paralympic Games eligible for?

To participate in the Paralympic Games, athletes must hold an active World Para Athletics Athlete License for the 2024 season. They must also be internationally classified in an eligible sport class with a sport class status confirmed or is being processed.

In addition, they must have achieved the entry standard while performing in a competition recognized by World Para Athletics between October 2022 and August 2024.

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

His exact parole conditions are still unknown, but it is likely he will need a special dispensation to return to competition.

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.

“Parolee does not mean the end of the sentence,” he said. “It's still part of the sentence. It just means that the inmate will serve the sentence outside of 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.

How can Pistorius qualify?

Between January 5 and the start of the Paris Games, Pistorius would have his best chance of qualifying for the competition at the World Para-athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan.

However, the former sprinter could also have his chances curtailed by the entry requirements for this competition, with the championships in Japan between 2023 and 2024 having similar requirements in terms of performance in terms of participation.

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

The South African Sports Federation and the Olympic Committee will decide which team to bring to Paris.

Their final decision will be driven by the desire to win the optimal number of medals. Electing Pistorius just six months after he was released on parole could prove divisive.

The decision whether Pistorius will represent South Africa rests with the national sports committee

Could he compete in the World Para-athletics Championships?

The World Para-athletics Championships will take place in Japan in May. The 37-year-old is unlikely to get a free place at the championships due to the location of the event.

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

Pistorius is unlikely to be involved in the World Para Athletics Championships in Japan as the country has some of the strictest rules against travelers with a criminal conviction

When are the Paralympic Games?

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games start on Wednesday, August 28.

With more than 4,000 athletes competing, the Paralympic Games come to an end on Sunday, September 8.