Oscar Pistorius

From Zero to Hero: Oscar Pistorius and Media Representation From Hero to Zero: Media Portrayal of Oscar Pistorius Growing Up as An Amputee Born in 1986

Pistorius was born with fibular hemimelia (congenital absence of the fibula) in both legs.

Both of Pistorius' legs were amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old.

Pistorius began walking within 6 months of his surgery

His parents divorced when he was 6 years old

Pistorius had a bad relationship with his father and his mother died when he was 15 due to drug complications Development in Sport Began running around the age of 16 years, after being injured in rugby

He never let his amputations get in the way of sport

Competed in cricket, wrestling, boxing, rugby, water polo

January 2004- competed in first 100 meter race

Broke World Record for 200 meter in the Paralympics (21.97 seconds) in 2004

After Olympics, he competed in several races for able-bodied athletes.

2011: Captured 3 GOLD medals at the IPC Athletic World Championships (with able-bodied athletes)

Won 2 more titles at the BT Paralympics World Cup Winning the Case Against the Olympic Committee to Participate Banned from competing in 2007 by the International Association of Athletic Foundations

IAAF stated that Pistorius does not have an advantage over able-bodied athletes and permitted for him to attempt to qualify for the 2008 Olympics

Needed time of 45.3 to automatically qualify for the 2012 Olympics but he got 45.52.

Later, he was selected to compete in the 2012 Olympics Blades: Disadvantage or Advantage? Qualification for the 2012 Olympics Did not qualify for the 2008 Olympics so starting training for the 2012 Olympics Last athlete of 125 added to the track and field roster for South Africa

Spring of 2012: Qualified for the 400 meter race in the London Olympics The "Blade Runner":

HERO of South Africa Set a precedent for all of sport

He overcame his disability and did not let it impact his dreams and training goals

Served as an inspiration to all people with disabilities and people who have to overcome any obstacle to follow their dream

Became instant inspiration, icon, role model Pistorius on Trial for Murder of Girlfriend 2/14/2013: Pistorius' girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot and killed at Pistorius' Pretoria home.

Pistorius had fired 4 shots through a locked bathroom door, hitting Steenkamp three times inside the bathroom.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel claimed that Pistorius had put on his prosthetic legs, walked across his bedroom to the bathroom, and intentionally shot Steenkamp through the door.

Pistorius said that he had thought Steenkamp was in the bed, and that the person in the bathroom was an intruder. He also said he had not put on his prosthetics before shooting into the bathroom.

Botha

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