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Oscar Pistorius: From Paralympic Hero to Convicted Murderer
Oscar Pistorius, a double amputee who overcame the odds to become a worldwide sports celebrity, was previously seen as a symbol of success over adversity. Pistorius, who competed in both the Paralympic and Olympic Games and is known as the “Blade Runner” due to his carbon-fiber prosthetic legs, captivated the world with his speed, tenacity, and spirit of innovation. But when Pistorius was caught and found guilty in 2013 of killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, it was one of the most devastating collapses in sports history, and the awe swiftly gave way to horror and dismay.
Steenkamp was shot and killed by Pistorius in his Pretoria, South Africa, home on Valentine’s Day in 2013. He said he fired four shots through the door in what he insisted was a sad mistake because he thought she was an intruder hiding in the toilet. The prosecution contended that it was a premeditated conduct that followed a furious fight, citing a pattern of control and violence in Pistorius’s actions. The case captivated the world, igniting great media attention and fusing themes of justice, brutality, and celebrity.
