Oscar Pistorius 'fears he'll never run properly again' with killer hiding in mansion following prison release

Oscar Pistorius 'fears he'll never run properly again' with killer hiding in mansion following prison release

WATCH NOW: Reaction following Oscar Pistorius' release from prison

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 21/01/2024

- 15:00

The South African was freed from prison earlier this month

Oscar Pistorius reportedly fears he'll never run properly again, with his legs shrinking during his time in prison.

The South African shot and killed model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day back in 2013.


Pistorius was freed on parole earlier this month, with the 37-year-old set to live a life away from the spotlight.

According to the Daily Mail, the runner's legs have shrunk and are 'no longer compatible' with the bespoke blades he wore to compete in athletics.

Oscar Pistorius

Oscar Pistorius is holed up in his uncle's mansion following his release from prison

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Pistorius, prior to his arrest, competed in the Paralympics - while he also raced at the Olympics in London in 2012.

Per the publication, the 38-year-old called in doctors during his time in prison because he was concerned about his legs.

Pistorius previously had both feet amputated when he was 11 months old. He was born missing the outside of both feet and both fibulae.

Dr Gerald Versfeld went to visit Pistorius in prison after he complained the prosthetics he entered the facility with were uncomfortable and did not fit any more.

A source is quoted as saying: "They had simply shrunk or wasted away due to him not being able to run anything like as much or as far as he did when he was competing or when he was a free man."

They added: "His muscles are much weaker now.

"He has been given new prosthetics to replace his old ones which did not fit any more’ said the prison source.

"He is trying to adapt but is concerned he will never be able to run in anything like the way he did before."

Pistorius has also become a chain smoker, put on weight and is said to be 'paranoid' he could be harmed or face public anger.

It's said the former athlete is hiding out in his uncle Arnold's mansion while he suffers from anxiety.

Pistorius has reportedly been holed up in his bedroom.

During his time at the mansion, he's been reading his bible, playing video games and watching Premier League football on his TV.

Dr Versfeld thinks it will take time for Pistorius to adjust to his new life.

"I think it will take him a long time to get out( of his uncle’s mansion)," he said.

"There maybe parole conditions that are keeping him at home.

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Oscar Pistorius

Oscar Pistorius' prosthetic legs no longer fit the former Blade Runner star

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"But I think he is not ready to face the world.

"He has been in a pretty awful environment for some time.

"He has been in prison for eight years."

A Waterkloof resident, Alan Retief, presented Pistorius with flowers following his release from prison.

He, like Dr Versfield, thinks the former Blade Runner star needs time before being able to face the public.

Oscar Pistorius

Oscar Pistorius was released on parole earlier this month nearly 12 years on from the murder of Reeva Steenkamp

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"He must be rightly scared because he has not been in the public for a very long time," he said.

"The public perception of him has changed. He was a hero and now he is a convicted murderer.

"He needs time, a lot of it to help him."

He continued: "It has been a major downfall for Oscar, but many people in this neighbourhood still like him and are not convinced he meant to shoot Reeva and he genuinely believed it was an intruder in his home."

Pistorius always denied he murdered Reeva, long insisting he mistakenly believed she was an intruder before firing four shots.

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