On June 15, 2016, Oscar Pistorius removed his prostheses in front of the judge of the Pretoria High Court.
The South African athlete known worldwide as “Blade Runner” walked on his stumps across the courtroom while his lawyer tried to show the court his physical vulnerability before his sentence was determined. Pistorius had been a Paralympic champion and, in 2012, became the first athlete with both legs amputated to compete in the Olympic Games.
The hearing was related to the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, which occurred on February 14, 2013, following a serious incident in the bathroom of his home. Pistorius maintained throughout the trial that he thought there was an intruder behind the door.
He was initially convicted of culpable homicide, but the verdict was later changed to a more serious offense. He received a 6-year sentence which, after an appeal, was increased to 13 years and 5 months.
Pistorius was released on parole on January 5, 2024, and remained under judicial supervision.