Pistorius could compete in 2016 Rio Paralympics

The International Paralympic Committee confirms Oscar Pistorius will be able to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics, if he isn’t in jail.

The 27-year-old Paralympic champion was found guilty of culpable homicide after a judge ruled he killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp accidentally, but he is yet to be sentenced.

He is facing a possible 15-year jail term, however there is a chance he could also walk free when he is sentenced later this month.

“Providing he serves his sentence and he wants to compete, and if selected by the South African National Paralympic Committee, he will be free to compete in IPC competitions going forward,” IPC spokesman Craig Spence said.

"If he had served any punishment given to him before Rio then the ball would be in his court."

Providing he serves his sentence then he will be free to compete in IPC competitions going forward."

Spence said the six-time gold medal winning runner, could not be denied the right to compete again as the IPC was not responsible for Pistorius’ punishment, to be handed down by the courts.'

"We are a sports organisation," Spence said.

"We have to differentiate between sport and what's gone on in his private life."

Pistorius had been the poster boy for the Paralympic movement between 2008-2012 as one of the most recognisable athletes in the world.

Despite his star image in the sport, IPC chief executive Xavier Gonzalez is confident the conviction will not negatively impact the profile of the growing Paralympic movement.

"Since then, the Paralympic movement has many other ambassadors and many other athletes that have been recognised globally and we believe that will continue growing as we lead up to 2016," he said.