The International Paralympic Committee seem to have got themselves into a bit of a twist over Oscar Pistorius.

First, they said the six-time Paralympic champion, found guilty of culpable homicide by a Pretoria court, would be free to return to top-level competition as soon as he has served whatever sentence he receives next month, maybe even as soon as Rio 2016.

"Yes, we would allow him to compete if he is clear to do so and has served his punishment," an International Paralympic Committee (IPC) spokesman told insidethegames, a statement which raised more than a few eyebrows, and some hackles, too.

Which may be why the IPC's British President and International Olympic Commitee member Sir Philip Craven quickly averred that while Pistorius will be free to return to competition once he has satisfied the South African legal system, the organisation would not "promote" any comeback, claiming: "This is definitely not the case. The response we have made has been taken out of context."

International Paralympic Committee President Sir Philip Craven was quick to say the organisation would not "promote" any comeback to the track by Oscar Pistorius
©Getty Images



Subsequently comes the curious discovery that there was no mention of Pistorius, who, in international terms is the most famed figure in the annals of the Paralympics, was not even mentioned in their list of 25 most celebrated moments over the past quarter-of-a-century selected by the 13 members of the IPC Board from around 750 highlights submitted by the public.

The IPC insist there was "no ulterior motive" in his absence and say that he was mentioned several times further down the list.

Odd that don't you think, considering Pistorius' many golden moments?

Some might question whether trigger-happy Pistorius, once the prized Paralympian poster boy, and a history-making Olympian, has become an embarrassment to them, as OJ Simpson was to America's grid iron game, and is discreetly being airbrushed from their history.

Maybe that is too cynical a view. What we do know now is that it is highly unlikely we will ever see the Blade Runner in action again - at least in Britain.

For the immigration authorities, stung by recent accusations of laxity over allowing convicted criminals into the country, would almost certainly bar him.

This means there would be no chance of him appearing at the IPC World Championships in London in 2017 even if he is available.

According to Home Office sources, his conviction for the shooting of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp is deemed such a serious offence that he would be denied entry to the UK whatever sentence he is given, following a recent toughening of immigration laws regarding criminal convictions.

Oscar Pistorius is unlikely to be allowed into countries like Great Britain and the United States to compete, but Brazil may be a different story ©Getty Images



One sports personality who has already been turned back because of his criminal record is the former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, refused entry to promote his autobiography. Tyson has served three prison terms, including one for rape.

Another world champion boxer, Floyd Mayweather Jnr, suddenly called off a planned promotional tour here earlier this year when it became apparent that he might have similar visa problems.

Two years ago, Mayweather spent two months in a Las Vegas jail for a domestic assault.

Other overseas sports figures who have fallen foul of the law, including those convicted of drugs offences, could well find themselves a GB exclusion zone.

It would be equally difficult for Pistorius to compete in the United States, where visa structures are even more draconian.

But one wonders whether Rio 2016 might be more welcoming for, as we know, Brazil takes a somewhat relaxed attitude to allowing in those convicted of criminality. The late British train robber Ronnie Biggs would have testified to that, as would several German war criminals.

The Paralympic icon will certainly be missed by a sport he bestrode on his famous prosthetic blades, winning gold in the T44 200 metres at Athens 2004 before claiming three golds at Beijing 2008 in the T44 100m, 200m and 400m. At London 2012 he won a further two gold medals in the T44 400m and the T42-T46 4x100m relay.

Would Oscar Pistorius even be welcomed back by sports fans if he chose to make a return? ©Getty Images



Would he be welcomed back anyway? Sports fans are notoriously forgiving, as many drugs cheats have discovered.

Remember the ovation accorded Dwain Chambers at Crystal Palace when he returned after serving his doping ban?

Fellow athletes themselves are less acceptable of felons.

I imagine Jamaican-born American Olympic track star Sanya Richards-Ross, the 400m legend who was once a close friend of Pistorius, expressed the feelings of many contemporaries when she declared he should be banned for life. "At the end of the day, there was a woman that ended up dead. I don't think he should have the privilege of competing in the sport anymore."

Such an opinion may be academic as, at 27, Pistorius could be jailed for up to 15 years on October 13 on a charge that is the equivalent of manslaughter, although a shorter term, even a suspended sentence, is thought to be more likely.

However, as far as sport is concerned, I agree with those who say his sentence must be a lifetime ban, and that we should see no more Oscar-winning performances from the terminally disgraced South African.

Alan Hubbard is an award-winning sports columnist for The Independent on Sunday and a former sports editor of The Observer. He has covered a total of 16 Summer and Winter Games, 10 Commonwealth Games, several football World Cups and world title fights from Atlanta to Zaire.