It's a good thing for Oscar Pistorius that his offense wasn't something such as doping. That would've prevented him from competing at the Olympics.
As it stands, according to multiple media reports, no rule exists preventing Pistorius from competing in the Olympics or Paralympics.
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ABCNews.go.com reported that both the South African Olympic and Paralympic sanctioning bodies have given the green light for Pistorius to resume competing as a sprinter if he chooses. On Friday, Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide in the shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day, 2013.
Pistorius awaits sentencing, scheduled for Oct. 13, on that verdict and could face up to 15 years in prison or as little as a fine and a suspended sentence - meaning no jail time.
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"As he stands right now, he is free (to compete) and can do as long as the judge in his case allows it," said Tubby Reddy, South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee chief executive, told the Associated Press, as reported by ABC News.
Added International Paralympic Committee spokesman Craig Spence, "Providing he serves his sentence and he wants to compete, and if selected by the South African National Paralympic Committee, he will be free to compete in IPC competitions going forward."
Spence added that denying Pistorius the right to compete under current circumstances is beyond the IPC's jurisdiction.
"We have to differentiate between sport and what's gone on in his private life," Spence said.
Fortunately, for now, Pistorius' handlers are saying the right things about the double-amputee South African sprinter allowing his sentencing to play out before he even thinks about running competitively again.
"There is absolutely no talk about competing at this stage. It would be premature and inappropriate to talk about, or even think about, returning to the track, until the sentencing is behind us," spokeswoman Anneliese Burgess said.
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But once sentencing is delivered, Pistorius and his agent will discuss his options.
"It's all up to Oscar. He must decide what he wants to do," Peet van Zyl said, according to the Irish Independent, adding he would only talk with Pistorius about running again after sentencing.
"I don't know what his mindset is now. I will sit down with him. Is he keen or is he not keen?"
ABC News added that Nike terminated its endorsement contract with him, and he reportedly intends to write a book about his version of what happened during the early morning hours of Valentine's Day, 2013, when he shot Steenkamp four times through a bathroom door in their home.
He said he thought she was an intruder.
Given the fact that he has sold three homes to pay for legal bills, a return to competitive sprinting would seem another viable option to help him recoup his losses.
Do you think South Africa should allow Oscar Pistorius to represent his country in the Olympics or Paralympics? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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