Oliveira's views contradicts those of Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, who had claimed, after Pistorius had been arrested and charged for allegedly murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his home in Johannesburg on Valentine's Day, that it "will not stop us building on the momentum created" by London 2012.

Oliveira (pictured top), however, who sensationally beat Pistorius in the men's 200 metres T44 final at London 2012, admitted it was a huge shock when he heard about the alleged murder and said that he feels Paralympic sport will suffer, in the short term at least.

"Losing Oscar is sad for me because every race we would have raced together would have been a big event [after London 2012]," Oliveira said here at the 2013 Laureus World Sports Awards, which are due to take place tonight.

"Everyone would tune in to see who would win between us."

The two had been due to meet in a special 150 metres race on a specially constructed 150 metres track on Copacabana here on March 31 and again at the City Games in Manchester on May 25, which would have provided two great showcases for Paralympic sport.

But, following a high profile court hearing, when Pistorius was released on bail, his conditions included not being allowed to travel overseas, and is set to return to court on June 4.

"It did hurt [when he criticised the length of my blades at London 2012] but we are not enemies," said Oliveira.

"I understand that it had been nine years since he lost [before losing to me at London 2012] and everybody was cheering for him.

"So I think Paralympic sport and the world of sport has lost out because of this.

"There is only a bad side as far as I see it.

"I was very sorry for what happened.

"Let's wait for the investigation to see what really happened.

"It was in the media a lot when it happened but now it has stopped a little bit and I think it will come back in the news on June 4, when he goes to court."


In the absence of Pistorius, Oliveira is set to become one of the new poster boys of the Paralympic Movement in the lead up to his home Games in Rio in 2016.

The 20-year-old from Marabá says that it will be difficult, but that he feels ready to help take the Paralympic Movement to the next level.

"I hope I am going to be the great name of the Paralympics here in Rio because it's my home," he said.

"I've been doing a job since Beijing when I got a silver medal and in London a gold medal.

"I've been training a lot and I hope it goes well."

"Life has changed for me a lot since London.

"People recognise me on the streets and congratulate me and they say I make them proud of being Brazilian."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
February 2013: Paralympic Movement in disbelief at Pistorius murder trial but it won't stop us claims IPC President