Who is Oscar Pistorius? The amputee, Olympic runner, and convicted murderer will be released from prison in January.

Sebastian CahillJan 14, 2024, 20:58 IST

Oscar Pistorius pauses in the dock at the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday Dec. 8, 2015.Associated Press/Herman Verwey

Oscar Pistorius is a former Olympic runner serving time in prison for the murder of his girlfriend.
Many saw Pistorius, who is a double amputee, as a role model before his conviction.

Oscar Pistorius, disgraced former Olympic and Paralympic runner and convicted murderer, was granted parole on Friday, 10 years after killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services in South Africa confirmed his parole status in a statement.

Once known as the "Blade Runner" for his easily recognizable prosthetic legs, Pistorius shot Steenkamp four times on Valentine's Day in 2013.

At his parole hearing Friday, the court said Pistorius would be released January 5, 2024, after a parole board decided he met requirements and had a "positive support system" to help him, per the ministry statement.

Pistorius was born in 1986 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Pistorius in 2006 preparing for a coaching session.Paul Ellis

In 2004, Pistorius won the 200-meter event in the Paralympic Games.

Pistorius during a competition at the Stadio dei Marmi.Mondadori Portfolio

After appealing to the WA, he qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Pistorius with Jerome Singleton and children on International Paralympic Day in 2011.Jan Kruger

Pistorius worked with children with disabilities to give them encouragement and confidence, he said.

Pistorius (left) with Kirani James of Grenada after the Men's 400m semifinal in the 2012 London Olympics.Phil Walter

Pistorius and his girlfriend Reeva were only together for three months before he killed her.

Pistorius and Steenkamp weeks before her 2013 murder.AFP

Pistorius was originally convicted of culpable homicide in her death.

Pistorius in 2013 at his first appearance in court before his murder trial.Gallo Images

Prosecutors then overturned the conviction, arguing for a murder charge.

Pistorius reacting to pathology evidence at his 2014 trial.Themba Hadebe

When prosecutors appealed the sentence on the grounds that it was too lenient, his sentence was increased to 15 years.

Pistorius walking without his prosthetic legs during his resentencing hearing in 2016.Pool

Despite his conviction, some residents of South Africa continued to express support for him.

A supporter of Pistorius outside the North Gauteng High Court in 2016.Charlie Shoemaker

Pistorius has maintained his actions were accidental, but Steenkamp's family disagrees.

The mother of Steenkamp, June Steenkamp, on the way to Pistorius's parole hearing in March 2023.Phill Magakoe

Friday, Pistorius was informed he would be released on parole in early January 2024.

Prison staff at the Atteridgeville Correctional Centre in Pretoria, South Africa, search cars on November 24, hours before Pistorius was granted parole.Marco Longari

5 photos highlight the best moments from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Cookies on the Business Insider India website