On Thursday Morning 14 February 2013, the world awoke to the tragic news that Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, it immediately grabbed public interest because of the mountain of a man that the world as well as South Africa look up to, he became an epitome of heroism the likes of which has never been seen.
His victories as an athlete and his triumphant human spirit were celebrated world wide last year when he became the first amputee to take part in the able-bodied London 2012 summer Olympics 400m track event. The world rejoiced in his victories and he became the embodiment of Pierre De Courbertins vision of the modern Olympics. Back home in South Africa, Oscars popularity and his affection from his fan base grew to enormous proportions in a very iconic way.
Heroes are important to us, what they stand for and the principles they live by. In South Africa we have great men too but most of these men stand in the giant shadow of our first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela. In a country where morality and ethics are seriously lacking in our leadership we turn to the nobility of our athletes and South Africa is definitely blessed with some really great athletes who have transcended race to find their way into the hearts of their million supporters.
Such an athlete is Oscar Pistorius, whose endeavouring human spirit to rise above all odds make him such an endearing personality. This is why it is shocking and unfathomable to believe the tragic events that have unfolded, mostly because of our naivety and belief in him.
At the end of it all, we must resign ourselves to the facts, that Reeva Steenkamp's life ended prematurely because of a act of negligence and irresponsibility, if it was premeditated, it makes it even worse. In both circumstances, Oscars actions/response are uncalled for. Which ever way you look at it, the circumstances that led to Reeva's death have irrevocably changed the lives of everybody involved.
As Oscar plummets from his former grace, the sweet innocence of the hero that the world has come to love has been tarnished, possibly never to shine again in the same reverence.
About me: I love South Africa and love the news, I'm also a blogging enthusiast, http://sagren.blogspot.com
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