Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Oscar Pistorius

Discover the career path of Oscar Pistorius, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Oscar Pistorius is a South African former professional sprinter who competed in both Paralympic and Olympic Games. He had both legs amputated below the knee as a child. Pistorius' career ended after he was convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Initially convicted of culpable homicide, the conviction was later upgraded to murder upon appeal, resulting in a prison sentence.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 2004: Introduction to Running

In January 2004, Oscar Pistorius was introduced to running while undergoing rehabilitation for his knee injury at the University of Pretoria's High Performance Centre.

2004: Paralympic Bronze and Gold

In 2004, Oscar Pistorius competed in the Summer Paralympics in Athens, winning a bronze medal in the T44 100-metre event and a gold medal in the T44 200-metre event, setting a world record time.

July 2005: IAAF Grand Prix Invitation

In July 2005, Oscar Pistorius was invited to take part in his first international nondisabled event, the 400-metre race at the IAAF Grand Prix in Helsinki, Finland, but could not attend due to school commitments.

2005: South African Championships and Paralympic World Cup

In 2005, Oscar Pistorius finished sixth in the nondisabled South African Championships over 400 metres, and won gold in the 100 and 200 metres at the Paralympic World Cup.

2006: IPC Athletics World Championships Gold

In 2006, Oscar Pistorius won gold in the 100-, 200- and 400-metre events at the IPC Athletics World Championships, breaking the world record over 200 metres.

March 2007: 400m World Record

In March 2007, Oscar Pistorius set a disability sports world record for the 400 metres at the South African Senior Athletics Championships in Durban.

April 2007: World Record Holder

In April 2007, Oscar Pistorius became the world record holder of the 100- and 200-metre events at the Nedbank Championships for the Physically Disabled in Johannesburg.

July 2007: Rome Golden Gala and British Grand Prix

In July 2007, Oscar Pistorius participated in the 400-metre race at Rome's Golden Gala and the Norwich Union British Grand Prix in Sheffield, preparing for potential Olympic qualification.

July 2008: Olympic Qualifying Attempts

In July 2008, Oscar Pistorius competed in the 400 metres at the Notturna International in Milan and the Rome Golden Gala, attempting to achieve the Olympic qualifying time but falling short.

July 2008: Failed Olympic Qualification

In July 2008, Oscar Pistorius failed to qualify for the 400 metres at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games after coming third at the Spitzen Leichtathletik meeting in Lucerne, Switzerland. He missed the qualification by 0.70 seconds with a personal best time of 46.25 seconds.

2008: 200m First Place

In 2008, Oscar Pistorius achieved first place in the 200m race, further solidifying his reputation as a top athlete.

2008: Olympic Ambitions

In 2008, Oscar Pistorius aimed to compete at the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing but was not selected by the South African Olympic Committee.

2008: Olympic Qualification Attempt

In 2008, Oscar Pistorius aimed to qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing in the individual 400-metre race, needing to meet the Olympic "A" standard time.

2008: Music CD Collaboration and Charity Support

In 2008, Oscar Pistorius collaborated on the release of a music CD called Olympic Dream. He also supports the Mineseeker Foundation, a charity raising awareness for landmine victims and providing prostheses for survivors.

2008: Paralympic Success in Beijing

In 2008, Oscar Pistorius participated in the Summer Paralympics in Beijing, competing in the 100, 200, and 400 meters. He won gold in all three events, setting Paralympic records in the 100 and 200 meters and a world record in the 400 meters.

2008: 2008 Summer Paralympics Gold Medals

In 2008, Oscar Pistorius won gold medals at the Summer Paralympics in the 100m, 200m, and 400m (T44) events, marking a significant achievement in his career.

January 2011: IPC Athletics World Titles

In January 2011, Oscar Pistorius won three IPC Athletics World titles in New Zealand. However, he was defeated for the first time in seven years in the 100 meters by Jerome Singleton.

August 2011: World Championships Selection

In August 2011, Oscar Pistorius was selected for the South African team for the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, participating in the 400-meter and 4 × 400-meter relay squad. He qualified for the semi-final in the 400 meters but was later eliminated.

2011: First Amputee to Win a Nondisabled World Track Medal

In 2011, Oscar Pistorius became the first amputee to win a nondisabled world track medal at the World Championships in Athletics, marking a milestone in his career.

2011: Olympic Qualification Mark Attained

In the summer of 2011, on July 19th specifically, Oscar Pistorius achieved a personal best of 45.07 seconds in the 400 meters at a meeting in Lignano, Italy. This time met the "A" standard qualification for both the World Championships and Olympic Games.

July 2012: Olympic Team Inclusion

In July 2012, Oscar Pistorius was officially included in the South African Olympic team for the 400-meter and 4 × 400-meter relay races, marking a significant milestone in his career.

August 2012: Olympic Debut

In August 2012, at the Summer Olympic Games, Oscar Pistorius made history as the debut amputee runner to compete in the Olympics. He advanced to the semi-finals in the 400-meter race with a season's best time, but did not qualify for the final.

2012: Paralympics Flag Bearer and Competitor

In 2012, Oscar Pistorius carried the flag at the opening ceremony of the Summer Paralympics. He competed in the 100, 200, and 400 meters races, and the 4 × 100 meters relay.

2012: Sponsorship Deals

In 2012, Oscar Pistorius had sponsorship deals worth US$2 million a year with various companies including Össur, BT, Nike, Oakley, and Thierry Mugler. He also worked as a model in advertising campaigns.

2012: First Double-Leg Amputee in the Olympics

In 2012, Oscar Pistorius made history as the first double-leg amputee to participate in the Summer Olympics, achieving a significant personal and athletic milestone.