Paralympic Chief Denies Damage from Pistorius Verdict

(ATR)International Paralympic Committee chief Phil Craven tells Around the Rings the Oscar Pistorius case has not hurt the movement.

The double amputee runner, a poster boy for the Paralympics before and during the London 2012 Games, was on Friday convicted of the culpable homicide of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.

Asked if the high-profile Pistorius court case had damaged the Paralympic Movement, Craven said: "My belief is that it has not."

"All along we have kept what is definitely not a sport matter separate from our operations. That has been appreciated. Whether we say post-2012 [London Paralympics] or that terrible day in 2013, the Paralympic Movement continues to grow, and athletes continue to deliver."

In the wake of the verdict, the IPC said it would not stand in the way of Pistorius competing in the future – if he does not get a jail term. Pistorius will be sentenced next month.

"There is no intention of the IPC promoting any comeback, if in fact that is even possible by this athlete," Craven told ATR. "Before we could even consider [allowing him to compete] lots of water has to go under the bridge."

The British IOC member said it had been misinterpreted that the IPC would welcome Pistorius back to the track.

"Never been our intention and never will be. We don’t promote any particular athletes. We promote the Games and opportunities to compete as per our vision," he added.

On Monday, South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee chief executive Tubby Reddy told the Associated Press that Pistorius was free to compete for South Africa again.

As the NOC has no rules stopping an athlete with a criminal record from representing the country, he could conceivably compete if he receives only a suspended sentence and no jail time. Reddy said Pistorius would then have to hit all the usual qualifying criteria to make the South Africa team.

Pistorius is credited with raising the Paralympics profile in the period between 2008 and 2012. He was the first double leg amputee to participate in the Olympics at London 2012 where he also won two Paralympic golds.

When asked if it was time to put the Pistorius case behind them and find other ambassadors for the Paralympic Movement, Craven said: "We are not addressing the issue of putting something in the past.

"It’s something we are aware of and monitoring, but it’s not to do with Parasport. The competent authorities are dealing with that," he said.

Next week, the IPC celebrates its 25th anniversary, a milestone that Craven said is "highly significant."

In early October, the IPC hosts a strategic gathering of all its members to plan the next 25 years.

Nike Ends Contract with Pistorius

Nike announced on Saturday that the corporation had terminated its endorsement contract with Pistorius.

In February 2013, shortly after Pistorius was charge in the shooting death of Steenkamp, Nike suspended its contract with the Paralympian.

"Nike extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to all families concerned following this tragic incident," the corporation said in a statement on Feb. 14, 2013.

"As it is a police matter," the statement continued, "Nike will not comment further at this time.

"We believe Oscar Pistorius should be afforded due process and we will continue to monitor the situation closely."

Reported and written by Mark BissonandNicole Bennett

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