Pistorius Dropped From South Africa's Team

As expected, Oscar Pistorius has been left off South Africa’s track team for the Paralympic world championships.

South Africa selected 32 athletes on Thursday for the event next month in Lyon, France.

It marks the first major meet that Pistorius will miss as he prepares for his murder trial in the shooting death of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Charged with premeditated murder in Steenkamp’s killing, the double-amputee runner will return to court in South Africa on Aug. 19. That’s the day after the able-bodied world championships end in Moscow, which he had intended to compete in.

Pistorius has dropped out of all competition this year to focus on his trial. He denies the murder charge, saying he thought Steenkamp was an intruder.

Naij