With the 2024 Olympics right around the corner, should Oscar Pistorius be allowed to return to competition?
International track star Oscar Pistorius, known as The Blade Runner, was convicted of murdering his girlfriend in 2016 and has been serving prison time in South Africa for most of the time since he was found guilty. He was granted parole earlier this week, a decision that will take effect on January 5, 2024.
While it seems inconceivable that Pistorius may return to competition, the fact is that he once was an international star, having competed in both the Paralympics and the Olympics.
One of the main issues with Pretorious’s possibility of returning is his parole conditions. For starters, without receiving written permission from authorities, he can’t leave Pretoria, South Africa, where he’s being held. He must also attend and complete a series of educational sessions, including anger management and domestic violence, and participate in community service.
Then, there is the matter of what he did seven years ago–murder his girlfriend. That is neither easy to forget nor overlook, and it’s not very likely that sports fans will want to see Pretorius compete again. I know I don’t.
If Oscar Pistorius does compete in ’24 and/or beyond, that outcome feels to me like he’s getting a get-out-of-jail-free card. I know he has served multiple years in prison, but a 6-year original sentence for murder (later expanded to 15 years) seems light in the first place, and now Pretorius is getting paroled after serving a relatively short sentence.
While I’m against seeing him complete again, I know others have different views. The sports world will undoubtedly follow this story and watch what comes next.
