As a sports administrator sometimes it is best to say nothing at all and take the criticism for your silence, as often you will spend the next week explaining the comment or stance that you took, as appears to be the case with the International Paralympic Committee.
Having initially stated that Oscar Pistorius, who is awaiting sentence for the culpable murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp would be free to return to competition as soon as he had served whatever sentence is passed down, (Easier to Enter an Event than a Country) the IPC have no stated that they would not promote a comeback.
“The response we have made has been taken out of context,” said the IPC’s British President Sir Philip Craven.
However it would appear Pistorius who was prior to the murder of Ms Steenkamp the poster Boy for Paralympic sport, has been wiped from history. There is no mention of him, arguably the most well known Paralympian, in the IPC’s top 25 moments over the past 25 years selected by 13 members of the IPC Board. Unlucky for some one might say!
there were 750 highlights submitted to the selection panel by the public. One would have thought that his performances would have certainly been included in that list.
According to the IPC there was “no ulterior motive” and they say that his feats were mentioned further down the list of great moments.
Some athletes have spoken out strongly against him being allowed to make a comeback. quadruple gold medallist from London 2012 David Weir has been quoted as saying, “It would be a circus if he came back. The IPC should take a stand and rule him out altogether. The Paralympic movement should not be about one person.” A very valid point.
This latest snub may show that the IPC is in fact trying to distance itself from Pistorius, and just like former American Football great OJ Simpson, they are slowly setting about erasing him from their history.
