Oscar Pistorius is a South African former sprinter known for competing in both Paralympic and Olympic Games. Born with a congenital defect, both of his feet were amputated at 11 months old. He excelled in sprinting events for below-knee amputees and became the 10th athlete to participate in both Paralympic and Olympic Games. However, his athletic career ended when he was convicted of murder.
May 1958: Pistorius's Mother is Born
Oscar Pistorius's mother was born on May 8th, 1958. This date held significant meaning for Pistorius, as evidenced by his tattoo honoring her birth and death.
November 1986: Early Life and Family
Born on November 22, 1986, Oscar Pistorius grew up in a Christian home in a predominantly Afrikaner family in South Africa. His mother, who he considered a major influence, passed away when he was 15.
November 1986: Birth of Oscar Pistorius
Oscar Leonard Carl Pistorius was born on November 22, 1986, in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. He was born with a congenital defect, missing the outside of both feet and both fibulae, and had his feet amputated at 11 months old.
March 2002: Pistorius's Mother Passes Away
On March 6th, 2002, Oscar Pistorius's mother passed away. Her death deeply impacted him, and he commemorated her life by getting her birth and death dates tattooed on his right arm.
June 2003: Rugby Injury
In June 2003, Oscar Pistorius suffered a serious rugby knee injury that would lead him to the world of running.
January 2004: Introduction to Running
In January 2004, while rehabilitating from a rugby injury, Oscar Pistorius was introduced to running, marking a turning point in his life. He was fitted with his first running blades, starting his journey as "the Blade Runner."
2004: 2004 Summer Paralympics Debut
Oscar Pistorius, nicknamed "Blade Runner," competed in his first Paralympic Games in Athens in 2004, winning the 200m race in a world record time and securing a bronze medal in the 100m.
July 2005: Invitation to IAAF Grand Prix
Oscar Pistorius received an invitation to participate in his first international nondisabled event, the 400m race at the IAAF Grand Prix in Helsinki, but couldn't attend due to academic commitments.
2005: Breaking Records and Paralympic Success
Throughout 2005, Oscar Pistorius continued to excel, setting a world record in the 400m at the South African Championships and achieving gold medals in the 100m and 200m at the Paralympic World Cup.
2006: Triple Gold at IPC Athletics World Championships
In 2006, Pistorius solidified his dominance by winning gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events at the IPC Athletics World Championships, setting a new world record in the 200m.
2006: Pistorius Receives Order of Ikhamanga
In 2006, South African President Thabo Mbeki bestowed the Order of Ikhamanga in Bronze (OIB) upon Oscar Pistorius. This prestigious honor recognized his outstanding achievements in sports.
2006: University Studies
Oscar Pistorius enrolled at the University of Pretoria in 2006, pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in business management and sports science.
March 2007: IAAF Amends Competition Rules
In March 2007, the IAAF amended its competition rules to include a ban on the use of "any technical device that incorporates springs, wheels, or any other element that provides a user with an advantage over another athlete not using such a device". The IAAF stated that the amendment was not specifically aimed at Pistorius.
March 2007: New World Record in 400m
In March 2007, Oscar Pistorius set a new world record in the 400m race at the South African Senior Athletics Championships in Durban.
April 2007: World Records in 100m and 200m
At the Nedbank Championships for the Physically Disabled in April 2007, Pistorius achieved world records in both the 100m and 200m events.
July 2007: Competing in Nondisabled Events
In July 2007, Oscar Pistorius participated in the 400m race at the Rome's Golden Gala, finishing second. He then competed in the Norwich Union British Grand Prix, finishing seventh but was disqualified for running out of his lane.
July 2007: IAAF Monitors Pistorius's Track Performances
In July 2007, to decide whether Pistorius was running with an unfair advantage, the IAAF monitored his track performances using high-definition cameras to film his races in Rome and Sheffield.
November 2007: Pistorius Undergoes Scientific Tests
In November 2007, Pistorius was invited to take part in a series of scientific tests at the German Sports University Cologne to determine if his prostheses gave him an advantage.
December 2007: Pistorius Receives BBC Sports Personality Award
In December 2007, Oscar Pistorius received the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony. The award recognizes outstanding courage and achievement in the face of adversity. However, the award was later revoked following his conviction for murder.
2007: Italian Version of Pistorius's Autobiography Released
Oscar Pistorius's autobiography was published in Italian in 2007, co-authored with Gianni Merlo, a journalist from La Gazzetta dello Sport. This release marked the beginning of Pistorius sharing his life story and experiences with a wider audience.
January 2008: IAAF Rules Pistorius's Prostheses Ineligible
In January 2008, based on the findings of the scientific tests, the IAAF ruled Pistorius's prostheses ineligible for use in competitions conducted under the IAAF rules, including the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
April 2008: Pistorius Appeals IAAF Decision
Pistorius appealed against the IAAF's decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, and appeared before the tribunal at the end of April 2008.
May 2008: CAS Upholds Pistorius's Appeal
In May 2008, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld Pistorius's appeal and revoked the IAAF council decision, making him eligible to compete in IAAF competitions, including the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
May 2008: Pistorius Named One of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People
In May 2008, Time magazine recognized Oscar Pistorius as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, placing him third in the "Heroes & Pioneers" category. This recognition highlighted his impact on shifting perceptions of disability and his athletic achievements. He was also included in the list again in 2012.
June 2008: Interview and Motto
In a June 2008 interview, Oscar Pistorius shared his "sporting motto": "You're not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have."
July 2008: Pistorius Competes in Olympic Qualifying Races
Throughout July 2008, Pistorius participated in several races, including the Notturna International in Milan and the Rome Golden Gala, in an attempt to meet the Olympic qualifying time for the 400 meters, but fell short of the requirement.
July 2008: IAAF Raises Safety Concerns
In July 2008, the IAAF expressed concerns about Pistorius's participation in the 4 × 400-meter relay team, citing safety issues for both Pistorius and other athletes. Pistorius refuted these claims and threatened legal action. The IAAF subsequently clarified that it had no objections to Pistorius's participation, respecting the CAS ruling.
July 2008: Pistorius Misses Qualification for 2008 Olympics
Despite a personal best time in July 2008, Pistorius missed the qualifying time for the 400 meters at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. He was also not selected for the 4 × 400-meter relay team. Pistorius declined the possibility of a wild card entry, choosing to focus on the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.
2008: Pistorius Aims for 2008 Summer Olympics
In 2008, Pistorius aimed to represent South Africa at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, focusing on achieving the Olympic "A" standard time for the individual 400-meter race or a time close to 46 seconds to make the 4 × 400-meter relay team.
2008: Pistorius Releases Music CD for Charity
Oscar Pistorius released a music CD titled "Olympic Dream" in 2008. This album, produced in Italy, featured disco remixes of inspiring music pieces and included two original tracks, "Olympic Dream" and "Run Boy Run," with Pistorius providing voiceovers. Proceeds from the CD sales were donated to charity, reflecting his philanthropic endeavors.
2008: Olympic Aspirations
Oscar Pistorius aimed to compete in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing but wasn't selected by the South African Olympic Committee.
2008: English Version of Pistorius's Autobiography Published
In 2008, the English version of Oscar Pistorius's autobiography, titled "Blade Runner," was released. This publication allowed a global audience to learn about his journey, challenges, and triumphs.
2008: Pistorius Achieves Paralympic Gold Medals
At the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, Pistorius won three gold medals in the 100, 200, and 400 meters (T44), setting Paralympic records in the process. His victories cemented his status as a world-class Paralympic sprinter.
2008: First Place in 200m
In 2008, Oscar Pistorius achieved a first-place finish in the 200m race.
2008: 2008 Summer Paralympics
At the 2008 Summer Paralympics, Oscar Pistorius won three gold medals in the T44 category: in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events.
February 2009: Pistorius Injured in Boating Accident
In February 2009, Oscar Pistorius experienced a significant setback when he sustained serious injuries in a boating accident on the Vaal River near Johannesburg. The accident required surgery to repair broken facial bones, impacting his training schedule and temporarily halting his athletic progress.
2010: Pistorius Appears on Italian Reality Show
In 2010, Oscar Pistorius made an appearance on the Italian reality show "L'isola dei famosi," akin to "Celebrity Survivor." This appearance demonstrated his willingness to engage with the public and embrace new experiences beyond athletics.
January 2011: Pistorius's Continued Success and First Defeat
In January 2011, Pistorius won three IPC Athletics World titles in New Zealand but experienced his first defeat in seven years in the 100 meters against Jerome Singleton. He later regained his top form by winning the T44 400 meters and 100 meters at the BT Paralympic World Cup, reaffirming his position as a leading Paralympic sprinter.
August 2011: Pistorius Competes in World Championships
Oscar Pistorius was selected for the South African team for the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, in August 2011. He participated in the 400 meters and the 4 x 400 meters relay. He qualified for the semi-final in the 400 meters with a time of 45.39 seconds but was eliminated in the semi-final after finishing with a time of 46.19 seconds.
2011: Pistorius Achieves Olympic Qualifying Time
In 2011, Oscar Pistorius competed in various non-disabled races, consistently clocking times under 46 seconds. Notably, on July 19th, at the Internazionale di Atletica Sports Solidarity Meeting in Italy, he achieved a personal best of 45.07 seconds in the 400 meters, meeting the "A" standard qualification mark for both the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
2011: First Amputee to Win Nondisabled World Track Medal
In 2011, at the World Championships in Athletics, Oscar Pistorius became the first amputee to win a medal in a nondisabled world track event.
January 2012: Pistorius Appears on Italian Dancing with the Stars
On January 7th, 2012, Oscar Pistorius made a special guest appearance on the Italian version of "Dancing with the Stars," known as "Ballando con le Stelle." He showcased his dancing skills by performing a tango with Annalisa Longo to ABBA's "The Winner Takes It All.".
February 2012: Pistorius Wins Laureus World Sports Award
In February 2012, Oscar Pistorius received the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability. This prestigious accolade acknowledged his outstanding athletic accomplishments.
July 2012: Pistorius Selected for 2012 Olympics
In July 2012, Oscar Pistorius was selected to represent South Africa in the 400-meter and 4 x 400-meter relay races at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. This announcement by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) marked a significant milestone.
August 2012: Pistorius Makes History at 2012 Olympics
On August 4th, 2012, Oscar Pistorius made history as the first amputee runner to compete in the Olympic Games. He participated in the 400-meter race, securing second place in his heat with a season-best time of 45.44 seconds. Although he advanced to the semi-finals, he finished eighth with a time of 46.54 seconds, ending his Olympic run.
August 2012: Mural Honors Pistorius's Achievements
On August 22nd, 2012, a large mural was unveiled in Gemona, Italy, commemorating Oscar Pistorius's accomplishments. This tribute showcased his global recognition and the impact of his athletic journey.
September 2012: Pistorius Shortlisted for Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award
Oscar Pistorius was shortlisted for the Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award in September 2012 by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). This nomination acknowledged athletes who embody fairness, honesty, and the Paralympic values. Although he didn't win, his nomination highlighted his positive influence within the Paralympic Movement.
October 2012: Pistorius Appears on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
On October 9th, 2012, Oscar Pistorius appeared as a guest on the popular American talk show "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." This appearance highlighted his growing fame and provided him with a platform to share his story with a broader audience.
2012: University Awards Pistorius Honorary Doctorate
In 2012, the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow announced their decision to award Oscar Pistorius an honorary doctorate, recognizing his contributions to sports and his ability to inspire others.
2012: Pistorius Named One of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People
In May 2008, Time magazine recognized Oscar Pistorius as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, placing him third in the "Heroes & Pioneers" category. This recognition highlighted his impact on shifting perceptions of disability and his athletic achievements. He was also included in the list again in 2012.
2012: First Double-Leg Amputee to Participate in the Olympics
Oscar Pistorius made history in 2012 by becoming the first double-leg amputee to participate in the Summer Olympics, held in London.
2012: Pistorius Sets Sights on 2012 Olympics
In 2012, Pistorius expressed his determination to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, believing it to be a more realistic target.
2012: Pistorius Secures Lucrative Sponsorships and Modeling Opportunities
In 2012, Oscar Pistorius's success as an athlete earned him lucrative sponsorship deals worth an estimated US$2 million annually. Companies like Össur, BT, Nike, Oakley, and Thierry Mugler recognized his global appeal and influence. Pistorius also participated in advertising campaigns, showcasing his marketability beyond the track.
2012: World Record in 200m (T44)
In 2012, Oscar Pistorius set a new world record in the T44 category for the 200m race with a time of 21.30 seconds.
2012: Pistorius Plays in Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
In 2012, Oscar Pistorius participated as an amateur golfer in the prestigious Alfred Dunhill Links Championship held in Scotland. This tournament, known for attracting professional golfers and celebrities, highlighted Pistorius's diverse interests and athletic abilities.
2012: Pistorius Carries Flag at Paralympics
In 2012, Oscar Pistorius had the honor of carrying the flag at the opening ceremony of the Summer Paralympics on August 29th. He participated in the men's 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter races in the T44 classification and the T42-T46 4 x 100-meter relay.
February 2013: Pistorius Shoots and Kills Reeva Steenkamp
In a tragic incident that unfolded on February 14th, 2013, Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, at his residence in Pretoria. While Pistorius admitted to shooting Steenkamp, claiming he mistook her for an intruder, this event sent shockwaves through the world and dramatically altered the course of his life and legacy.
February 2013: Shooting of Reeva Steenkamp
On February 14, 2013, Oscar Pistorius fatally shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, at his home in Pretoria, claiming he mistook her for an intruder.
March 2014: Murder Trial Begins
Oscar Pistorius's murder trial commenced in March 2014 at the Pretoria High Court.
May 2014: Trial Adjournment and Psychiatric Evaluation
In May 2014, the trial was adjourned for Pistorius to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine his criminal responsibility after a defense witness diagnosed him with generalized anxiety disorder.
June 2014: Pistorius Sells His House
In June 2014, Oscar Pistorius sold his house located in Silverwoods Country Estate, Pretoria. This sale took place after the incident involving the death of Reeva Steenkamp.
June 2014: Trial Resumption and Criminal Responsibility
The trial resumed in June 2014, with reports concluding that Pistorius could be held criminally responsible for his actions.
October 2014: Conviction and Sentencing
In October 2014, Oscar Pistorius was found not guilty of murder but guilty of culpable homicide (manslaughter) for the death of Reeva Steenkamp. He was sentenced to five years in prison for culpable homicide and a concurrent three-year suspended sentence for a separate reckless endangerment conviction.
October 2014: Verdict and Sentencing
In October 2014, Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide and reckless endangerment, receiving a five-year sentence for the former and a three-year suspended sentence for the latter.
November 2014: Prosecution's Appeal
Prosecutors filed for an appeal against the culpable homicide verdict in November 2014, arguing that the sentence was too lenient.
December 2014: Appeal Granted in Part
In December 2014, the court granted the prosecution's appeal on the charge but not the sentence, leading the case to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
February 2015: University Revokes Honorary Degree
The University of Strathclyde revoked the honorary doctorate they had planned to confer to Pistorius after he was convicted of culpable homicide in February 2015.
June 2015: Recommendation for Early Release
In June 2015, Pistorius was recommended for early release under correctional supervision, having served one-sixth of his sentence.
August 2015: Release and Subsequent Block
Pistorius's release to house arrest, scheduled for August 2015, was unexpectedly blocked by the Justice Minister, who deemed it premature.
August 2015: Prosecutors' Argument Submission
Prosecutors submitted their arguments for the appeal in August 2015, focusing on the application of "dolus eventualis."
September 2015: Defense's Response Submission
The defense team submitted their response to the prosecution's arguments in September 2015.
October 2015: House Arrest and Appeal
In October 2015, Oscar Pistorius was released on house arrest while his case was appealed. The Supreme Court of Appeal overturned the culpable homicide verdict and convicted him of murder.
October 2015: Release from Prison
Pistorius was released from prison in October 2015 but remained under house arrest.
November 2015: Appeal Hearing and Murder Conviction
The appeal hearing took place in November 2015, resulting in the overturning of the culpable homicide verdict and a guilty verdict for murder.
November 2015: Appeal Hearing Scheduled
The appeal hearing was set for November 2015 at the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein.
December 2015: House Arrest and Appeal to Constitutional Court
Pistorius remained under house arrest pending his appeal to the Constitutional Court, which was denied in March 2016.
March 2016: Constitutional Court Appeal Denied
Pistorius's right to appeal to the Constitutional Court was denied, leading to a new sentencing hearing for the murder conviction in June 2016.
April 2016: Sentencing Hearing Scheduled
The case was referred back to the trial court for a new sentencing hearing, scheduled for April 2016, following the murder conviction.
June 2016: Sentencing Hearing Scheduled
The sentencing hearing for the murder conviction was set to begin in June 2016.
June 2016: Sentencing Adjournment
The sentencing was adjourned until July 2016.
July 2016: Sentence Extended
In July 2016, Judge Thokozile Masipa increased Oscar Pistorius's sentence to six years for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp.
July 2016: Six-Year Sentence for Murder
In July 2016, Pistorius received a six-year prison sentence for murder.
July 2016: NPA's Appeal Against Sentence
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced its intention to appeal the six-year sentence, deeming it too lenient.
July 2016: New Sentencing Hearing Scheduled
The new sentencing hearing was scheduled for July 2016.
August 2016: Hospitalization After Cell Incident
Pistorius was treated for minor wrist injuries in August 2016 after reportedly slipping in his cell. His brother denied claims of self-harm.
August 2016: Appeal Hearing and Rejection
The appeal hearing took place in August 2016, with the judge rejecting the NPA's bid for a longer sentence.
September 2016: NPA's Decision to Appeal to SCA
The NPA decided to appeal the sentence to the Supreme Court of Appeal, with accusations of a "personal vendetta" against Pistorius arising from the defense.
October 2016: Compassionate Release
In October 2016, Oscar Pistorius was granted compassionate leave from prison for four hours to attend his grandmother's funeral.
November 2016: Prison Transfer
Oscar Pistorius was transferred to Atteridgeville Correctional Centre, a facility better equipped for disabled inmates, in November 2016.
September 2017: Appeal Hearing Announced
In September 2017, the Supreme Court of Appeal agreed to hear the state's appeal for a longer sentence for Oscar Pistorius.
November 2017: Sentence Increased
The Supreme Court of Appeal increased Oscar Pistorius's prison sentence to 13 years and five months in November 2017, ruling his original six-year sentence too lenient.
November 2017: "Oscar Pistorius: Blade Runner Killer" Airs
An unauthorized biopic about Oscar Pistorius, titled "Oscar Pistorius: Blade Runner Killer," aired on South African television in November 2017, sparking threats of legal action from the Pistorius family.
November 2017: Sentence Appeal Hearing
The Supreme Court of Appeal heard arguments in November 2017 regarding increasing Pistorius's sentence.
December 2017: Appeal to Constitutional Court
In December 2017, Oscar Pistorius filed papers to appeal the increased sentence to the Constitutional Court.
March 2018: Appeal Dismissed
Oscar Pistorius's appeal to the Constitutional Court was dismissed in March 2018.
April 2018: Constitutional Court Dismisses Appeal
In April 2018, the Constitutional Court dismissed Pistorius's appeal against the extended sentence, making him ineligible for parole until 2023.
2018: "Pistorius" Documentary Released
Amazon Prime released a four-part documentary series titled "Pistorius" in 2018.
2019: Parole Eligibility
Pistorius was expected to be eligible for parole in 2019 after serving three years of his sentence.
2020: "The Life and Trials of Oscar Pistorius" Documentary Airs
A four-part documentary titled "The Life and Trials of Oscar Pistorius" aired on ESPN+ in 2020.
March 2023: Parole Denied Again
After a hearing, Oscar Pistorius was denied parole again in March 2023.
March 2023: Parole Hearing and Denial
Oscar Pistorius's first parole hearing took place in March 2023. Despite his good behavior in prison, his request was denied, with the Steenkamp family opposing his release. He became eligible for parole again after one year.
November 2023: Parole Granted
In November 2023, Oscar Pistorius was granted parole.
January 2024: Released on Parole
Oscar Pistorius was released from prison on parole in January 2024, with conditions in place until his sentence ends.
January 2024: Release on Parole
Oscar Pistorius was released on parole in January 2024 after serving a total of 8.5 years in prison and 7 months of house arrest for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp.
December 2029: Sentence Expires
Oscar Pistorius's prison sentence is set to expire in December 2029.