In the wake of murder charges leveled at Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius, Nike has pulled an ad from the South African’s website proclaiming, "I am the bullet in the chamber."
Pistorius, known as the “Blade Runner” because of the shape of his artificial legs, was arrested on Thursday after his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was found shot to death at his home in Pretoria, South Africa.
Pistorius made history in London last year when he became the first double-amputee track athlete to compete in the Olympic Games, propelling him to the status of an athletics superstar.
Having had both his legs amputated below the knee before his first birthday because of a congenital condition, he campaigned for years to be allowed to compete against able-bodied athletes. Having initially been banned because of his carbon fiber blades — which critics said gave him an unfair advantage — he was cleared by sport's highest court in 2008 and allowed to run at the top events.
He competed in the 400 meters and on South Africa's 4x400 relay team at the London Games, making history when his selection for South Africa's team was confirmed at the very last minute. He also retained his Paralympic title in the 400 meters in London.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
