• Athletics

Pistorius will not compete this year

ESPN staff
May 20, 2013
Oscar Pistorius will not be competing in 2013 © PA Photos
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Oscar Pistorius will not race again this year as he awaits trial for premeditated murder, his agent has confirmed.

Pistorius is next due in court on June 4 as he prepares for a trial over the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, at his house in February. The South African claims he shot Steenkamp after mistaking her for an intruder.

After being bailed later the same month, there had been speculation that Pistorius would return to athletics in the meantime. However, that will now not be happening - as the 26-year-old struggles to come to terms with the charges he faces.

"There was never any pressure from me or his coach [Ampie Louw] to return to competition, it's his decision and it's his decision not to compete," Van Zyl said.

When asked if he was mentally ready to race again, Van Zyl added: "No, of course not''.

Van Zyl also suggested that Pistorius has been approached by a number of meeting organisers to appear at their events, refusing to reveal any names but adding there were "a good number, enough to keep him busy through the year''.

However, Pistorius' coach has revealed the 400m runner is not currently following his usual training schedule, meaning he is in no condition to race competitively.

"He is nowhere close to being in a position to train," Louw said, according to Eye Witness News. "He just does fitness exercises in the morning with his family.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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