The International Paralympic Committee says that it can do without Oscar Pistorius. – image – www.3news.co.nz
The president of the International Paralympic Committee, Sir Philip Craven spoke to The Daily Telegraph about any possible contribution that Oscar Pistorius could make to athletics at the moment. Craven thinks that there is little, if anything, that Pistorius could contribute to sport in light of his impending murder trial. Craven explained that there is “a brand new group of household names being on everyone’s lips”.
Just last year, Oscar Pistorius was an international icon of hope and his reach went well beyond the realm of sport. He inspired people with disabilities and other types of challenges, giving them hope that with hard work, anything is possible. In February, Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp by “mistake” thinking she was a burglar. This changed the way many see him.
Since the shooting on Valentine’s Day, Pistorius has been the focus of media attention. Reporters from all over the world have been following the twists in the Oscar Pistorius case closely. The latest from the South African Police Services is that the police are still unable to access the valuable information on the athlete’s smartphone.
According to Eye Witness News, Interpol is facilitating the dialogue between the SAPS and Apple in the US. The software that is available in South Africa is ineffective in retrieving the password to the athlete’s iPhone. As it stands, Interpol is still processing the request for access to private and personal user information.
In the meantime, it appears that the International Paralympic Committee can do without Oscar Pistorius despite the fact that in March, the court gave him permission to compete and earn an income. Oscar Pistorius was not selected or invited to participate in the IPC World Championships in Lyon, France because the South African Paralympic Committee had overlooked him. Sir Philip Craven said: “We are not an organization with one name. We have so many great stars.”
It seems the athletic community that once embraced Oscar Pistorius as its beacon of hope no longer has room for the paralympian. Pistorius is due in court on 19 August.
