Pistorius' agent cancels all future races to focus on murder charge

JOHANNESBURG — Oscar Pistorius' agent has canceled all future races the athlete was contracted to take part in and says the Olympian's "key focus" is now defending himself against the murder charge.

Peet van Zyl says there is "no option" but to cancel Pistorius' track dates indefinitely "to allow Oscar to concentrate on the upcoming legal proceedings."

Pistorius was arrested and charged with the Valentine's Day murder of model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

He is being held at a police station in Pretoria, where Van Zyl visited him Sunday before announcing the double-amputee Olympian's track career is now on hold.

Van Zyl says Pistorius' sponsorships, including those with big-name brands Nike and Oakley, are safe for now. "All parties are supportive, and their contractual commitments are maintained," he says.

Van Zyl says the Pistorius has received "overwhelming support" from his fans. He said Sunday that "international fans from literally all over the world" have sent their good wishes to Pistorius.

Van Zyl would not comment on how the 26-year-old athlete is doing or what his mental and emotional state is. He called Steenkamp's killing at Pistorius' house "a tragic circumstance" and said he visited Pistorius as a friend "to give him my moral support."

Steenkamp's family said Sunday that her body was back in her hometown of Port Elizabeth. A private funeral will be held on Tuesday.

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