Former Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius, who was convicted of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, has begun a new chapter of his life following his release from prison on parole in January 2024.
A Controversial Sporting Return
Despite the strict conditions of his parole, which include staying at home during certain hours, the 39-year-old has made a surprising return to competitive sport. In June 2024, Pistorius participated in the Ironman 70.3 event in Durban, South Africa.
An attorney for Pistorius confirmed his participation, and it is believed he secured permission from his parole officer to compete. An athlete registered under his name placed 555th overall and came third in the 'physically challenged' division of the gruelling event, which consists of a 2km swim, a 90km cycle, and a 21km run.
A New Relationship and Private Life
Less than a year after his release, reports emerged that Pistorius is in a new romantic relationship. He is said to be dating Rita Greyling, a family friend who works as a business management consultant.
A source close to the situation indicated that Pistorius is reintegrating into society cautiously, primarily through long-standing family connections. Details of the relationship have been kept intensely private.
A Markedly Different Appearance
Now living with family in Pretoria and having undertaken volunteer work at a church, Pistorius is reportedly unrecognisable from his days as a global athletics icon.
One individual who saw him told The New York Post, "I almost didn't recognise him. His hair is longer and he's got a beard. He's also not as lean as I expected. You would never know he was an athlete, he's just not the same."
Pistorius was originally convicted of culpable homicide in 2014 for the 2013 Valentine's Day shooting of Reeva Steenkamp, a conviction later upgraded to murder. He was ultimately sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison. His release on parole came after he served more than half of his sentence.
