Athletics
Oscar Pistorius races canned
2013-02-18 07:13
Johannesburg - All future races paralympian
Oscar Pistorius had been contracted to compete in have been cancelled, his agent said on Sunday.
"I
have decided that following these tragic events that we have no option
but to cancel all future races... to allow Oscar to concentrate on the
upcoming legal proceedings," his agent Peet van Zyl said in a statement.
"[As
well as] to help and support all those involved as they try to come to
terms with this very difficult and distressing situation."
Van Zyl went to visit Pistorius in the Brooklyn Police Station in Pretoria on Sunday.
Pistorius
was arrested on Thursday after his 29-year-old girlfriend, model and
law graduate, Reeva Steenkamp was shot and killed in his Pretoria home.
The 26-year-old 'blade runner' is currently in police custody.
Van
Zyl said his visit was to offer his support to Pistorius and to "
briefly discuss racing matters given that his key focus is defending
himself against this serious charge".
The cancelled races include IAAF World Championships in Russia, Australia, Brazil, America and England.
"Regarding
sponsors and partners, I can confirm that at this point in time, all
parties are supportive and their contractual commitments are
maintained," he added.
"They have said they are happy to let the legal process takes its course before making any change in their position.
"On
Oscar's behalf, we, as his management company, would like to formally
thank the thousands of people who have sent supportive messages which
have come from all over the world."
Van Zyl said he could not answer any questions relating to the legal proceedings.
Pistorius has been charged with murder and is due to appear in court on Tuesday for a formal bail application.
Steenkamp will be cremated in a ceremony closed to the public and the media in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.
Pistorius' family and management company on Friday disputed claims that the he had murdered Steenkamp.