PRETORIA – Oscar Pistorius’ agent has begun calling off races for the Olympic sprinter since he was charged with the shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Pistorius’ agent, Peet van Zyl, tells The Associated Press he canceled the contract on Saturday for a high-profile rematch with fellow double-amputee Alan Oliveira to promote the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.
Oliveira beat Pistorius in the 200 meters at the Paralympics in London. Pistorius and Oliveira were to run a straight 200-meter race on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on March 31.
Pistorius was charged with the murder of Steenkamp after she was shot dead at the home of the multiple Paralympic champion on Thursday. South African prosecutors have said they will pursue a more serious premeditated murder charge against Pistorius, leaving him possibly facing a life sentence.