Oscar Pistorius, the former Paralympic champion who was convicted of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, has made a sporting comeback since being released from prison. The 39-year-old was granted parole and released in January 2024.

Pistorius' athletic prowess had previously seen him hailed as a sporting hero, having clinched six Paralympic golds. He also earned a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the 2011 World Championships before making history as the first double amputee to run at the Olympics in 2012.

In February 2013, Pistorius fatally shot Steenkamp at his home in Pretoria. He maintained that he had mistaken Steenkamp for an intruder hiding in the bathroom.

Pistorius was found guilty of murder in 2015 after initially being convicted of culpable homicide. His sentence was eventually set at 13 years and five months, due to expire in 2029. After serving more than half of his sentence, the former athletics star was released on parole last January.

As part of his release conditions, Pistroius must adhere to a set of rules, including staying at home during certain hours of the day. However, the former Paralympic and Olympic icon, who turned 39 on Friday, has made a return to sport in recent months.

South African outlet Netwerk24 reported in June that Pistorius had competed in the Ironman 70.3 event in Durban. It was suggested that Pistorius had secured permission from his parole officer to participate in the competition.

The Independent stated that an athlete registered under Pistorius' name had placed 555th amongst all competitors and third in the "physically challenged" division. The event comprised a 2km swim, 90km cycle ride and 21km run.

An attorney representing Pistorius confirmed that the former Paralympic star had taken part in the Durban event.

In 2024, it was reported that Pistorius was in a new romantic relationship less than a year after his prison release. The 39-year-old is claimed to be in a relationship with family friend Rita Greyling.

She works as a business management consultant. However, details of their reported relationship have remained private.

A source told South African publication Netwerk 24 last year: "He is slowly trying to reintegrate into society but that is being done through families that his family have been close to for decades and is slowly slowly. The word on the street for three months now is that he is dating again."

Pistorius is reportedly living with family in Pretoria following his parole. He has also reportedly volunteered at a church and was claimed to have a markedly different appearance from his athletic heyday.

"I almost didn't recognise him," an individual told The New York Post after seeing Pistorius. "His hair is longer and he's got a beard.

"He's also not as lean as I expected. You would never know he was an athlete, he's just not the same."