Will Oscar Pistorius be allowed to compete?
Following Thursday’s announcement that the South African Judge Bert Bam will relax stringent bail conditions placed on athlete Oscar Pistorius, the sporting world now face some tough decisions regarding the likelihood, and desirability, of Pistorius re-entering the sporting world.
While the Court has decided that Pistorius should be allowed to compete internationally, the sporting world appears less than willing to welcome Pistorius back into the fold.
Indeed, according to sources at The Guardian, “many privately admit that they are reluctant to welcome Pistorius back.”
Despite the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) publicly stating “All invitations are at the discretion of meeting organisers,” it is believed that behind the scenes many organisers have been discouraged from inviting the Olympic medal winner to compete.
Although there has been very little publicly stated on the issue, it is thought that both the highly publicised Diamond League athletic meetings in the United States and the London Anniversary Games, due to be held at the London Olympic Stadium this July, will not be inviting the South African runner to compete.
The Guardian spoke to a source from the Diamond League organizers who admitted: “My gut feeling is that it would be completely unrealistic.”
Whilst Pistorius’ defence lawyer has stated that Oscar has not stated that he will definitely seek to compete in competitions in the run up to his trial, the thought of not being invited back to the London Olympic Stadium is sure to be a blow to the athlete. Indeed, it was at the London Stadium that Pistorius became the first paralympian to compete in the Olympic Games.
Currently awaiting trial for shooting his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, Pistorius can only leave the country once he has handed over a travel itinery a week prior to his scheduled departure and must return all travel documents to the court following his return.
Sarah Aston
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