# Oscar Pistorius

> South African sprinter and convicted murderer (born 1986)

**Wikidata**: [Q201377](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q201377)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Pistorius)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oscar-pistorius

## Summary
Oscar Pistorius is a South African sprinter and convicted murderer born in 1986. He gained fame as an elite athlete, known for his record-breaking performances in the 400-meter race, but is also infamous for his 2013 conviction for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

## Biography
- Born: November 22, 1986, in Sandton, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Education:
  - Pretoria Boys High School (1901–2016)
  - University of Pretoria (1908–present)
  - University of Strathclyde (1796–present)
- Known for: Olympic-level sprinter and high-profile criminal case
- Employer(s): University of Pretoria, University of Strathclyde
- Field(s): Athletics, criminal justice

## Contributions
Oscar Pistorius made significant contributions to the field of athletics, including:
- Setting world records in the 400-meter race, particularly in the 400-meter hurdles.
- Competing in multiple Olympic Games, representing South Africa.
- Establishing himself as one of the fastest sprinters of his generation, despite his prosthetic legs.

## FAQs
- **What sports did Oscar Pistorius compete in?** Oscar Pistorius competed in track and field events, including the 400-meter race and 400-meter hurdles.
- **Where did Oscar Pistorius attend school?** He attended Pretoria Boys High School and later studied at the University of Pretoria and the University of Strathclyde.
- **What was Oscar Pistorius convicted of?** He was convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013.
- **What is Oscar Pistorius known for in sports?** He is known for his record-breaking performances in the 400-meter race and his status as one of the fastest sprinters of his time.
- **Where was Oscar Pistorius born?** He was born in Sandton, South Africa.

## Why They Matter
Oscar Pistorius's career in athletics left a lasting impact on the sport, inspiring many with his achievements despite his physical limitations. His case also sparked significant debate about disability, justice, and public perception, influencing discussions on criminal law and human rights. His story remains a highly publicized example of the complexities surrounding fame, disability, and criminal justice.

## Notable For
- Olympic-level sprinter with multiple world records in the 400-meter race.
- First amputee to compete in the Olympics in the 400-meter hurdles.
- Convicted murderer of Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.
- Recipient of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award.
- Notable alumni of the University of Pretoria and University of Strathclyde.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Oscar Pistorius was born on November 22, 1986, in Sandton, South Africa. He attended Pretoria Boys High School, where he began developing his athletic skills. Later, he pursued higher education at the University of Pretoria and the University of Strathclyde, where he studied sports science and physical therapy.

### Athletic Career
Pistorius gained international recognition as a sprinter, setting world records in the 400-meter race and competing in multiple Olympic Games. He became the first amputee to compete in the 400-meter hurdles at the Olympics. His achievements made him a prominent figure in the world of athletics, earning him numerous accolades and awards, including the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award.

### Criminal Conviction
In 2013, Pistorius was convicted of the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The case gained widespread media attention and sparked debates about disability, justice, and public perception. His conviction led to significant legal and social implications, influencing discussions on criminal law and human rights.

### Legacy
Oscar Pistorius's life and career have left a lasting impact on athletics, disability rights, and criminal justice. His achievements as a sprinter continue to inspire athletes worldwide, while his criminal case remains a highly publicized example of the complexities surrounding fame, disability, and the legal system. His story has also influenced discussions on public perception and the treatment of individuals with disabilities.

## References

1. [Source](https://brasil.elpais.com/brasil/2015/12/06/deportes/1449435114_706618.html)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. All-Athletics.com
4. [Source](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/2328004/Joe-Calzaghe-wins-BBC-Sports-Personality.html)
5. [Source](https://www.france24.com/en/20140911-murder-trial-verdict-expected-blade-runner-oscar-pistorius)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. [Paralympics-Star Pistorius kämpft um Freilassung. Tagesspiegel. 2013](https://www.tagesspiegel.de/gesellschaft/panorama/mutmasslicher-mord-an-reeva-steenkamp-paralympics-star-pistorius-kaempft-um-freilassung/7803108.html)
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. Roglo
12. World Athletics database
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/24/who-is-oscar-pistorius-and-why-is-he-being-released-from-jail)
15. [Source](https://www.efdeportes.com/efd124/o-caso-oscar-pistorius-o-para-atleta-que-tambem-queria-ser-atleta.htm)
16. [Source](https://abcnews.go.com/International/oscar-pistorius-shrink-leg-amputations-gave-mental-disorder/story?id=23677670)
17. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/13/world/africa/oscar-pistorius-verdict-guilty-of-culpable-homicide.html)
18. [Source](http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2014/03/world/document-pistorius-plea-statement/)
19. Olympedia
20. [Source](https://abcnews.go.com/International/blade-runner-oscar-pistorius-released-prison-parole-south-africa/story?id=106098632)
21. [Source](https://istoe.com.br/oscar-pistorius-ganha-liberdade-condicional-10-anos-apos-assassinato-de-sua-namorada/)
22. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67885713)
23. BBC Things
24. [Source](https://time.com/6339411/oscar-pistorius-prison-release-parole-murdered-girlfriend/)
25. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line