Blade runner Pistorius expresses regret for killing girlfriend

South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius expressed deep regret Friday for killing his girlfriend, one year after he allegedly shot her dead at his Pretoria home.

"No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved and continues to love Reeva (Steenkamp)," the athlete dubbed "Blade Runner" said on his website, reports Xinhua.

Pistorius, 28, was charged with killing Steenkamp, who was fatally shot in the early hours of Feb 14, 2013.

In his website statement, he said he would carry the trauma of that day for the rest of his life.

"The pain and sadness, especially for Reeva's parents, family and friends consumes me with sorrow."

Pistorius will face trial at the North Gauteng High Court in early March on charges of premeditated murder and reckless use of a firearm in public.

At a court hearing after the shooting, Pistorius claimed he accidentally shot Steenkamp after fearing there was an intruder in his house. He was freed on bail set at about $100,000 Feb 22, 2013.

Pistorius made history by becoming the first double-leg amputee to compete at an Olympics. He participated in men's 400m and 4x400m relay races at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

--Indo-Asian New Service

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