Oscar Pistorius is now 'unrecognisable' from the athlete he once was, it has been claimed.
The South African killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day back in 2013 and is now set to be released on Friday.
Pistorius was granted parole after a board review determined the former Bladerunner star was fit for social reintegration.
According to The Times, however, he is no longer the same as he once was.
Oscar Pistorius doesn't want any 'pity' as he prepares for life outside of prison
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It's claimed Pistorius has become 'unrecognisable' over the past decade and has become a 'grey and bloated' smoker.
Journalist Mark Williams-Thomas, who has grown close to Pistorius since his lengthy trial, says he was 'never put on a pedestal, quite the opposite' during his time behind bars.
Pistorius was reportedly involved in a fight with another inmate over a prison telephone in 2017.
He sustained an injury that day and, 12 months previously, had sustained injuries to his wrists - which his family denied was self-inflicted.
Williams-Thomas says Pistorius could become a target as he prepares to pursue a new life.
“There is still a lot of anger out there and no doubt there are those who would love the scalp of Oscar Pistorius,” he said.
The journalist also says the 37-year-old thinks he doesn't deserve any pity following Reeva's tragic death nearly 11 years ago.
“He has lost everything and speaks openly about that," he added.
"He doesn’t think he deserves pity, but he is realistic.
"He told me, ‘People will hate me and won’t want to be around me’, but he is still someone who is intelligent and valuable and has a lot he can give back."
Pistorius needs a new career signed off by his social worker.
It's claimed it is 'likely' the South African will join his uncle Arnold's 'Arnold’s lucrative web of businesses, which include property, farming and tourism.'
South Africa's department of correctional services say Pistorius will be monitored for the next five years.
“An elevated public profile linked to Pistorius does not make him different from other inmates nor warrant inconsistent treatment,” it said.
And Pistorius will also be unable to drink alcohol and will be expected to be home at particular hours of the day, too.
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Oscar Pistorius shot and killed Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013
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Williams-Thomas thinks Pistorius is set to get involved in manual work.
And he's also been tipped to work with charities in the future.
Williams-Thomas believes Arnold won't let his nephew have an easy ride after he's released, too.
"Arnold is no pushover," he continued.
"Oscar will have to pay his own way."
Reeva Steenkamp was just 29 at the age of her death
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Prison authorities are keen to emphasise that parole does not mean freedom.
As part of the terms of his parole, he will need to have anger-management therapy and attend programmes on gender-based violence.
June Steenkamp, Reeva's mother, told the hearing that she feared the former athletics star would continue to pose a danger to women.
June is still in mourning after the death of her husband, Barry, who died in September.
Barry, as well as his wife, have worked tirelessly to honour Reeva in the years since her tragic death.
