Pistorius cancels future race appearances
Oscar Pistorius is pulling out of all future races to focus on fighting his murder charge, his management company confirm.
The double amputee Olympic and Paralympic athlete has said he has “no option” but to cancel all upcoming contracted races following the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Steenkamp died from gunshot wounds inside Pistorius’ home in the early hours of last Thursday, Valentine’s day. Pistorius was arrested and charged with her murder the same day but his family denies he murdered her.
Managing agent Peet Van Zyl said the athlete’s “key focus is defending himself against this serious charge”.
“I have decided that following these tragic events that we have no option but to cancel all future races that Oscar Pistorius had been contracted to compete in, to allow Oscar to concentrate on the upcoming legal proceedings and to help and support all those involved as they try to come to terms with this very difficult and distressing situation.”
Pistorius was due to compete in the Manchester City Games on 25 May as well as the Qantas Tour races in Australia on March 9 and 16 and meetings in Rio de Janeiro and Iowa.
The statement clarified: “Regarding sponsors and partners, I can confirm that at this point in time, all parties are supportive and their contractual commitments are maintained. They have said they are happy to let the legal process takes its course before making any change in their position.
“On Oscar’s behalf, we, as his management company, would like to formally thank the thousands of people who have sent supportive messages which have come from all over the world.”
The Paralympian, who won two gold medals and a silver at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, was met by a media frenzy on arrival at the packed courthouse on Friday, supported by his father, brother Carl and sister Aimee.
Van Zyl stated outside the police station:”I am not going to comment on anything except that (what) is related to his athletics career at this point in time”.
“Obviously from a management side and also as a friend, it’s a tragic circumstance and events that have unfolded and we can only give Oscar our support at this point in time.”