Former Olympic sprinter Pistorius released on parole
Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius, a double-amputee who became a global star competing at his sport’s highest level while running on carbon-fiber blades, was released from prison on Friday after serving nearly nine years for killing his girlfriend, the model Reeva Steenkamp.
Pistorius, 37, quietly left the Atteridgeville Correctional Center in Pretoria and was processed at a parole office before being released to his family, Department of Corrections spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo told The Associated Press. Nxumalo, who referred to Pistorius’ release as an “operation” designed to avoid a media scramble, declined to give further details.
Pistorius served nearly nine years of his murder sentence of 13 years and five months for the fatal shooting of Steenkamp at his home on Valentine’s Day 2013. He became eligible for early release having served at least half his sentence, and was approved for parole in November.
Hockey
Isaac Howard scored twice in the second period and the U.S. beat host Sweden, 6-2, on to capture gold at the IIHF world junior hockey championship in Sweden. Gabe Perreault had a goal and two assists and Zeev Buium, Ryan Leonard and Rutger McGroarty also scored. The Americans secured the under-20 tournament for a sixth time after last winning in 2021.
Baseball
Outfielder Mitch Haniger is returning to the Seattle Mariners after being acquired from the San Francisco Giants along with right-hander Anthony DeSclafani and $6 million in exchange for left-hander Robbie Ray in a trade of underperforming players coming off injuries.
• A judge ordered the conditional release of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco while he is investigated for allegations he had a relationship with a 14-yearold girl and gave her mother a car and thousands of dollars in exchange for her consent, according to court documents obtained by The Associated Press.
• The Washington Wild Things and the WPIAL have agreed to extend the partnership to host the WPIAL high school baseball championships at Wild Things Park through the 2026-27 academic year.
Tennis
Rafael Nadal has concerns over his surgically repaired left hip just two wins and a loss into his comeback from a year-long injury layoff and just over a week before the Australian Open. Nadal needed a medical timeout and missed three match points before losing, 5-7, 7-6 (6), 6-3, in the Brisbane International quarterfinals to No. 55-ranked Jordan Thompson.
Golf
Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 player, had eight birdies and an eagle for a 9-under-par 64 at The Sentry in Hawaii, giving him a one-shot lead going into the weekend at the PGA Tour’s season opener.