The Blade Runner: The Rise & Fall of Oscar Pistorius

We all knew him as the disabled athlete who refused to let his disability hold him back. With the help of modern technology, he inspired millions of people in his quest to compete against able-bodied track athletes, despite having both of his legs amputated below the knee. This feat made him a global superstar, as well as earning him the nickname "The Blade Runner". 

Now, Oscar Pistorius faces up to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of culpable homicide, having shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentines' Day last year. He has currently been released on bail and awaits sentencing in South Africa on 13th October. Once a well-loved sports star, his career achievements have been completely engulfed in this criminal trial that has united the whole world in shock and disbelief. 

Oscar Pistorius and girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

Rise

Pistorius was born with fibular hemimelia (congenital absence of the fibula) in both legs, and at 11 months he had his legs amputated halfway between his knees and ankles. His disability didn't hinder his sports activity however, and after enjoying periods of playing rugby, water polo, tennis and wrestling, he finally settled into athletics. After his first pair of running blades quickly broke, he was eventually fitted for blades by Icelandic company Össur.

Pistorius enjoyed great success in track events for disabled athletes, including winning gold in the 100, 200 and 400m at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. His achievements against able-bodied athletes includes winning the silver medal in the 4 x 400m relay at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu. 

At the 2012 London Olympic Games, Oscar Pistorius became the first amputee runner to compete at an Olympic Games, and was later named on the Time 100 annual list of the world's most influential people. As a result of his popularity and athletic accomplishments, he gained sponsorship deals with big brands such as Nike, BT and Thierry Mugler, worth $2 million a year. At the height of his fame, he was a global inspiration, not only for disabled people but for all people alike. Pistorius himself once said "You're not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have".

Oscar Pistorius at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics in Daegu, South Korea

Fall

On Valentines' Day 2013, Pistorius shot and killed his then girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through a bathroom door at his home in Pretoria. He never denied killing her, but always maintained that he mistook her for a burglar. Thanks to the agreement of the South African judge Thokozile Masipa,the world has been able to have a front-row seat to the spectacular trial. From the comfort of our seats we have witnessed tough cross-examinations, vital witness testimonies and chilling evidence which included the bullet-riddled door Reeva was shot through the morning she died. Even though we were reminded by judge Masipa that "this is not entertainment", at times it certainly felt like so. Amongst the tearful breakdowns by Oscar Pistorius and the intense media scrutiny of the trial, it was easy to forget that a very serious murder trial was taking place. But indeed there was.

Oscar Pistorius' Trial

It was left to the Prosecution to prove that Pistorius had the intention to shoot and kill Reeva Steenkamp, which they ultimately failed to do. Pistorius was later found guilty for her culpable homicide and a firearms charge.

From Blade Runner to convicted criminal, Oscar Pistorius has demonstrated to the world that nothing is impossible. Whether it's being able to run without legs, or becoming a criminal having previously been a global icon, Pistorius' fall from grace is a testament to how quickly someone can go from hero to villain. 

In this unfortunate series of events the old saying rings true: The bigger they are, the harder they fall.