Oscar Pistorius Free to Compete for South Africa According to IPC

Oscar Pistorius is free to compete for his country according to reports today. The athlete will be able to represent South Africa once it does not go against the ruling of the judge. The 27-year-old was found guilty last week of culpable homicide for the shooting of his girlfriend and is due to be sentenced next month. The double-amputee could be facing years in jail or, as there is no minimum sentence for culpable homicide in South Africa, he could receive a suspended sentence. However, it has been revealed that there are no regulations in South Africa to prevent someone with a criminal record competing and representing the country. The International Paralympic Committee said that they have no problem with him competing again in future. Craig Spence, International Paralympic Committee director of media and communications, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Oscar’s done a great deal for the Paralympic movement. He’s been an inspiration to millions, but obviously his priority now is to see (what) the judge decides. And then if he wishes to resume his athletics career then we wouldn’t step in his way – we would allow him to compete again in the future.” Pistorius performing in the World Championships in 2011.  “As he stands right now, he’s free (to compete),” said Tubby Reddy of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee Chief Executive. Indeed, as long as competing does not go against Judge Masipa’s ruling, Pistorius would be allowed to compete once he meets the sporting criteria. Also speaking about the news was Pistoius’ agent, Peet Van Zyl, who added that competing is not something they are thinking about right now. He added that they would “sit down and take stock” after the sentencing hearing. “It’s all up to Oscar,” the agent stated. “He must decide what he wants to do. I don’t know what his mindset is now. I will sit down with him. Is he keen or is he not keen?” The sentencing hearing is scheduled to begin on October 13th.