Oscar Pistorius
Most Shocking Moment - Best of 2013


The Bladerunner went from champion of adversity to convicted murderer. 

It was like a storyline to a cheesy, horror flick that gives away all the important plot twists in the trailer. An adored, charming athlete, the doting supermodel girlfriend, and an outlandish holiday murder.

via: @reevasteenkamp

Feb 14 Initial reports from local media in South Africa: - Paralympian Oscar Pistorius was arrested after shooting his girlfriend while mistaking her for a burglar. 

Here is a full timeline of that day's (Feb 14) reports

Total transparency: I personally scoffed in disbelief upon hearing the allegations. At the time, I was In NYC for the Millrose Games, surrounded by every fan and media outlet of the sport. I heard every off the wall "scoop" that had been conjured up by the running community. 

My objectivity as a news "personality" was thrown out the window that morning as I basically refused to acknowledge even the possibility of his guilt. 

 
If you had met the guy, you would have felt the same way. 

Summer 2011, I was in Lignano Italy when Oscar ran 45.07 to qualify for the World Champs.
The elation of the crowd after the race was a direct reflection of track fans from around the world. 

The next morning, I sat down for breakfast and an interview with Pistorius. The Bladerunner was soft spoken, humble, and genuinely interested in my story and also insisted I say hello to Ryan Fenton for him.

Oscar has always been more than hospitable to us, even when "just putting his legs on".


I was 100% a Bladerunner fan, and in the 2012 Olympic year I prided myself on being able to tell my friends and family back home that I had gotten to know him. But as more and more details poured out of South Africa, my allusions of an infallable hero were quickly overshadowed by the almost undeniable accusation of premeditated murder. 


After the Suzy Favor Hamilton story broke last December, it was hard to imagine a more negative light being shown on our sport's superstars. But then Oscar's plight came forth and Hollywood producers have already gobbled up this still unfolding storyboard.

Currently, Oscar is awaiting a March 2014 trial for one count of premeditated murder and two counts of recklessly discharging a firearm.The premeditated murder charge alone carries a maximum of 25 year sentence.  Another somewhat insignificant allegation thrown on to the fire is that there were "Boxes and Boxes" of steroids found in Pistorius' home. In the mean time, Oscar has resumed  "low key training" with no formal plans on racing anytime soon.