Oscar Pistorius

A world-class athlete and double-leg amputee, Oscar Pistorius was known as "Blade Runner" for his prosthetic racing blades. Becoming one of the world's most decorated and successful para-athletes, Pistorius achieved even greater fame with his high-profile attempts to compete in able-bodied races, most notably at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Becoming the first amputee runner to compete in the Olympics, he captured the world's attention with his inspiring efforts and even though he did not win a medal, he became, for many, the hero of that particular Games and a global media sensation. His story took a dark turn on Valentine's Day 2013, however, when he was charged with the shooting death of his girlfriend inside his own house, whom he claimed to have mistaken for an intruder, a crime for which he was ultimately found guilty by a jury.

Born Nov. 22, 1986 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Oscar Pistorius was forced to have both his legs bilaterally amputated below the knee before he was a year old due to a birth defect. Displaying a remarkable athletic ability as well as competitive spirit, Pistorius found his greatest passion for running, made possible by prosthetic racing blades, which would garner him the nickname "Blade Runner."

He quickly made a name for himself as an international racing powerhouse who dominated the Paralympic Games, winning a bronze and a gold medal in 2004, three gold medals in 2008 and two gold and one silver medal in 2012. As impressive as these feats were, he made global headlines with his quest to compete in able-bodied races, eventually overcoming resistance from officials.

As part of a relay team, he won a silver medal at the 2011 World Championships and made history as the first amputee runner to compete at the Olympics, when he competed in the 2012 Summer Games in the 400 meter race and the 4 x 400 meter relay race. Becoming one of the most inspiring and popular athletes of that cycle, Pistorius carried the South African flag during the closing ceremony and became a global hero and media darling.

His story turned tragic, however, when he was charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Feb. 14, 2013. Steenkamp was found in Pistorius's home, shot repeatedly, with the athlete claiming he mistook her for an intruder, although many conflicting reports arose in the aftermath of his defense. He was formally charged with premeditated murder only days later.

By Jonathan Riggs