IPC to not promote any 'reinstatement of any sort' for Pistorius

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) will not do any favours for 'Blade Runner' runner Oscar Pistorius, who awaits sentencing for the culpable homicide of Reeva Steenkamp, as IPC President Philip Craven has said that there has never been any intention to promote any reinstatement of any sort.

Although it remains uncertain if the fallen sports icon would ever race again, however, one thing is clear that the Paralympic leadership would not encourage any comeback by the double amputee sprinter.

Next month, Pistorius could be handed anything from a suspended sentence and a fine to as much as 15 years in prison, Sport24 reported.

Should Pistorius subsequently be in a position to compete, the IPC would be powerless to stop him from returning to the track if he achieves a qualifying time.

Craven said that if that athlete was entered and had gained the qualification the IPC would not be a legal situation where they could deny that athlete the right to compete. But he added that there has never been any intention to promote any reinstatement of any sort.

The Pistorius case has presented Craven with some of the most challenging moments of his 13-year tenure. Pistorius had been the poster boy of the Paralympic movement, generating huge interest around the 2012 London Games when he became the first double-amputee sprinter to compete at the Olympics.

The Blade Runner then ran at the Paralympics, winning gold in the 400 metres and the 4x100 metre relay.

But on Valentine's Day in 2013, Pistorius opened fire in his home after hearing what he said sounded like an intruder in a bathroom in the middle of the night, killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Craven said that he was in a state of shock for two days then they realised they had to come out of that rapidly, and added that of course Pistorius was a great athlete but what took place 18 months ago was not anything to do with sport.

On Monday, the IPC marks the 25th anniversary of its formation, although the Paralympics first took place in 1960, the report added.