Oscar Pistorius ‘too traumatised’ for training

Oscar Pistorius is not back in official training and is “still in an extremely traumatised state”, his family said today.

• Rumours circulated that Olympic star was back in trinaing.

• Bail conditions would have allowed for travel to compete.

Responding to reports that the athlete is back in training, his uncle Arnold Pistorius said in a statement that although the 26-year-old had been out running, he is not on any “official training programme”.

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The double amputee and six-time Paralympic sprint champion is awaiting trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February.

He claims he shot 29-year-old Ms Steenkamp after mistaking her for an intruder, but has been charged with premeditated murder.

Pistorius is next due in court on June 4, with a trial expected to take place before the end of this year.

Last week his bail conditions were changed by a judge, allowing the double amputee and six-time Paralympic sprint champion to travel abroad providing he hands over his travel plans.

Alcohol ban

Other conditions were also changed, including a ban against him drinking alcohol.

The changes mean Pistorius could attempt to qualify for August’s World Athletics Championships in Moscow, although it is thought unlikely that he will be invited to take part in the London Anniversary Games at the end of July.

In a statement released today, Pistorius’ uncle Arnold Pistorius quashed rumours that he is back in training.

He said: “Oscar is not back on any official training programme. This may change in future, but this will be a decision taken by Oscar, and Oscar alone.

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“At this point Oscar is still in an extremely traumatised state and has made it clear to all of us that he is not able or willing to even contemplate this issue at this stage.

“Against this backdrop, we can confirm that we did have a meeting with Oscar yesterday where various family members and his trainer were present.

Struggled

“We all encouraged him to get back onto the track to help stabilize him emotionally.

“Oscar has been out running on a number of isolated occasions in the days following the relaxation of his bail conditions, but each time has been very difficult and he has ‘struggled immensely’ with the decision to even leave the house.

“As a family however we encourage him to start exercising as we believe it is a vital step in helping him deal with the trauma.”

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