Oscar Pistorius is free to compete for South Africa in future Olympic events despite the fact that he’s been convicted of culpable homicide in the shooting death of his former girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Oscar Pistorius Free To Compete

Pistorius, 27, won't face any rule that would keep him from competing as an athlete for South Africa if Judge Thokozile Masipa doesn't deliver a sentence that would obstruct the possibility. While Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide (a ruling similar to manslaughter), that doesn't necessarily mean that he will face jail time. South Africa does not have a minimum sentencing for the verdict, so it's possible Pistorius will only face a suspended sentence or a fine.

"As he stands right now, he's free [to compete]," South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee chief executive Tubby Reddy said, reported the Guardian.

Pistorius will be sentenced for his involvement in Steenkamp's Valentine's Day 2013 murder on Oct. 13. If his sentencing does not include significant time in prison, his agent is prepared to talk to the runner to determine what he wants his plan of action to be.

"It's all up to Oscar. He must decide what he wants to do," said Peet van Zyl. "I don't know what his mindset is now. I will sit down with him. Is he keen or is he not keen?"

Pistorius' spokesperson has adamantly stated that whether or not he returns to racing is not of concern until after the sentencing trial is over, calling the talk of the possibility "premature and inappropriate." Anneliese Burgess said, "There is absolutely no talk about competing at this stage. It would be premature and inappropriate to talk about, or even think about, returning to the track, until the sentencing is behind us."

Masipa acquitted Pistorius of premeditated murder and murder in court last week following months of testimony in the South Pretoria courtroom. Masipa decided on the lesser charge of negligence due to her belief that he did not knowingly shoot at Steenkamp, nor did he fire into the bathroom with the explicit intent of killing whomever was on the other side of it.