Who Are Oscar Pistorius Parents? Who is Oscar Pistorius?
by S Samayanka
Updated Jan 06, 2024
Who Are Oscar Pistorius Parents?
Oscar Pistorius's parents were Sheila and Henke Pistorius. Sheila, born on May 8, 1958, tragically passed away at the age of 43 in 2006 due to a misdiagnosed brain hemorrhage. She and Henke, born on March 15, 1953, had three children together: Oscar, his elder brother Carl, and younger sister Aimee. The couple divorced when Oscar was six years old.
Henke Pistorius, described as a former party animal, is still alive. His relationship with Oscar became significant during the latter's murder trial in 2014. Oscar, a Paralympian and the first double-leg amputee to qualify for the Olympics, faced legal troubles after shooting his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013. Henke's refusal to support Oscar's claim about ownership of ammunition found in his home negatively impacted the trial, as it undermined Oscar's defense.
Despite the family's struggles and legal challenges, Oscar often credited his mother, Sheila, for his resilience. He honored her memory with tattoos of her birth and death dates. The complex dynamics between Oscar, his father Henke, and the impact of his mother's untimely death have played a role in shaping the narrative of Oscar Pistorius's life.
Who is Oscar Pistorius?
Oscar Pistorius, born on November 22 in the year 1986, is a former South African professional sprinter whose life is marked by both athletic achievement and a notorious criminal case. Having lost both feet and fibulae at 11 months due to a congenital defect, Pistorius overcame his physical challenges to become a Paralympic champion.
Renowned for competing in both disabled and nondisabled sprint events, he was the first amputee to win a nondisabled world track medal in 2011 and participated in the 2012 Summer Olympics as a double-leg amputee. However, his life took a dark turn in 2013 when he shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, leading to a high-profile trial. Initially found guilty of culpable homicide, an appeal upgraded the conviction to murder, resulting in a 15-year prison sentence. Released on parole in January 2024, Pistorius's legacy is a complex interplay of triumphs and tragedy.
Nationality
South African
Date of Birth
22 November 1986
Age
37 Years
Place of Birth
Johannesburg, South Africa
Alma Mater
University of Pretoria
Years Active
2004–2013
Height
1.60 m
Weight
80.6 kg
Full Name
Oscar Leonard Carl Pistorius
Oscar Pistorius Early Life
Oscar Pistorius's early life was shaped by resilience and triumph over adversity. Born in Johannesburg on November 22, 1986, to parents Henke and Sheila Pistorius, he faced a congenital challenge, fibular hemimelia, leading to the amputation of both legs at just 11 months old. Raised in a Christian home alongside an elder brother, Carl, and a younger sister, Aimée, Pistorius defied physical limitations, excelling in sports like rugby, water polo, tennis, and even Olympic wrestling during his school years.
In 2003, a serious rugby knee injury redirected his path to running, marking the beginning of a groundbreaking athletic journey. Under the guidance of coach Ampie Louw at the University of Pretoria, Pistorius emerged as the first amputee to compete in both the Paralympic and Olympic Games, making history with his specially designed racing blades. Despite facing personal tragedy and legal challenges later in life, Pistorius's early years reflect a remarkable story of determination, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence.
Oscar Pistorius Age
As of 2024, Oscar Pistorius is 37 years old. Born on November 22 in the year 1986, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Pistorius has witnessed significant milestones in his life and career. Renowned as the "Blade Runner" for his achievements as a Paralympic sprinter, Pistorius faced the amputation of both legs at a young age due to a congenital condition.
His athletic journey, marked by triumphs and controversies, includes groundbreaking moments such as competing in both the Paralympic and Olympic Games. As he turns 37 in 2024, Pistorius carries a complex legacy that spans athletic prowess, legal challenges, and societal impact.
Oscar Pistorius Career
Oscar Pistorius's career is a testament to perseverance and groundbreaking achievements. Born in 1986 in Johannesburg, South Africa, he faced the amputation of both legs at just 11 months old due to a congenital condition. Undeterred by physical challenges, Pistorius excelled in various sports during his school years, transitioning to running after a rugby injury in 2003.
Pistorius made history as the "Blade Runner," competing with J-shaped carbon-fibre prostheses. His remarkable journey includes participation in the 2004 Summer Paralympics, where he won gold and set world records.
Controversy surrounded his attempt to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as the International Association of Athletics Federations initially deemed his prostheses an unfair advantage. However, a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the decision, showcasing Pistorius's resilience.
In 2012, Pistorius achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first amputee runner to compete in the Summer Olympics. His career also includes multiple victories at the Paralympic Games, setting records and earning accolades.
Beyond his athletic feats, Pistorius faced personal challenges, including legal troubles following the tragic shooting of his girlfriend in 2013. Pistorius's career is a complex narrative marked by triumphs, setbacks, and a lasting impact on perceptions of disability in sports.
Net Worth of Oscar Pistorius
As of 2024, Oscar Pistorius's net worth is estimated to be around $150,000. Once a prominent figure in the sporting world, the South African Olympic sprinter faced a significant decline in his financial standing. Legal battles, including his trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, took a toll on Pistorius's personal and financial life.
Despite earning $2 million annually during his peak, lucrative sponsorship deals with major companies like Nike and Oakley were terminated in the aftermath of the tragic incident. Subsequently, Pistorius found himself grappling with financial difficulties, with his defense lawyers stating in 2014 that he could no longer afford his legal defenses. His current net worth reflects the stark contrast from his earlier days as a celebrated athlete with substantial earnings.
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Who Are Oscar Pistorius Parents - FAQs
Oscar Pistorius's parents were Sheila and Henke Pistorius.
Sheila Pistorius passed away at the age of 43 in 2006 due to a misdiagnosed brain hemorrhage.
Henke Pistorius, alive and still connected to Oscar, played a significant role during Oscar's murder trial, impacting his defense.
Oscar Pistorius was born with fibular hemimelia, resulting in the amputation of both legs at 11 months old.
Oscar Pistorius is 37 years old as of 2024, born on November 22, 1986, in Johannesburg, South Africa.