'Paradox' of Pistorius' personality had impact on Steenkamp killing, says doctor
- 10 years ago
A doctor has testified at the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius that the athlete is a “paradox” whose triumphs on the track contrasted sharply with the daily limitations imposed by his disability.
Wayne Denman, a professor of sport and exercise medicine at the University of Cape Town who gave evidence for the defence, said the contrast gave Pistorius a deep sense of anxiety and vulnerability.
The defence argues that this was a factor when Pistorius killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in what he claims was a mistaken shooting in February 2013.
“You’ve got a paradox of an individual who is supremely able, and you’ve got an individual who is significantly disabled,” said Derman, who has worked with South African Olympic and Paralympic teams and has treated Pistorius over half-a-dozen years.
The prosecution says the athlete intentionally killed the 29-year-old model after the couple had a Valentine’s Day argument.
Wayne Denman, a professor of sport and exercise medicine at the University of Cape Town who gave evidence for the defence, said the contrast gave Pistorius a deep sense of anxiety and vulnerability.
The defence argues that this was a factor when Pistorius killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in what he claims was a mistaken shooting in February 2013.
“You’ve got a paradox of an individual who is supremely able, and you’ve got an individual who is significantly disabled,” said Derman, who has worked with South African Olympic and Paralympic teams and has treated Pistorius over half-a-dozen years.
The prosecution says the athlete intentionally killed the 29-year-old model after the couple had a Valentine’s Day argument.