By Dylan Bettencourt
- Oscar Pistorius finished third in his category at the Durban half Ironman race, his second competitive event since his prison release.
- Former Paralympian lives quietly at his uncle’s Pretoria mansion and attends church while following strict parole conditions until December 2029.
Oscar Pistorius stepped back into competitive sport on Sunday, quietly taking part in a half Ironman race in Durban.
The former Paralympian, who spent years in jail for killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, wasn’t announced as a participant. But once people spotted him in the water, there were some high-fives.
Photographer Richard Pearce, who captured him mid-race, said: “People started recognising him, but it wasn’t a big deal.”
Pistorius finished third in his category in just under six hours. Lifeguards helped him enter the water at the start of the race, YOU Magazine reported.
This wasn’t his first race since leaving prison. He also ran the Hoka Half marathon in Pretoria in May, finishing 98th.
His lawyer Conrad Dormehl says these races are part of his client’s journey back into the community.
“It’s part of his rehabilitation,” he said. “Sport is still very important to him.”
Pistorius lives at his uncle Arnold’s mansion in Waterkloof, Pretoria. Neighbours say they rarely see him and wouldn’t make a fuss if they did.
“Everyone here minds their own business,” one neighbour said.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Pistorius was dating Rita Greyling, the daughter of wealthy farmer BP Greyling.
A source says things are going well: “He’s trying to live as normal a life as possible. Exercise plays a big role.”
He also attends a church in Zwavelpoort where, according to a member, he is “growing spiritually” and doing well.
Correctional services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed Pistorius got permission from his parole officer to travel to Durban.
He must stick to strict parole rules until December 2029, including curfews and travel approvals.
“Oscar is allowed to travel if his parole officer approves it,” Nxumalo said. “Parole is not there to punish – it’s meant to help reintegrate people into society.”
Pictured above: Oscar Pistorius.
Image source: File
