The career so far of the 'Blade Runner'

Details of the killing were initially murky with Pistorius charged for murder after the death was first cast as accidental in media reports.

The tragedy exploded across social media and dominated headlines worldwide.

29-year-old Reeva Steenkamp, a celebrity in her native South Africa, has in the past posed for men's magazine FHM, as well as fronting campaigns for cosmetics company Avon. She will be cremated today as Pistorius appears in court for a bail hearing expected to reveal more about what happened the night she was shot dead.

Pistorius, who broke down in sobs during his first court appearance on Friday, has built up a powerful team of lawyers, medical specialists and public relations experts for his defence.

In an interview published on Monday, Steenkamp's mother described her death as "horrendous."

"Why my little girl? Why did this happen? Why did he do this?" June Steenkamp told the Times of South Africa.

"She had so much of herself to give and now all that is gone. Just like that, she is gone... In the blink of an eye and a single breath, the most beautiful person who ever lived is no longer here."

In light of the news, MSN takes a look back at the sporting career so far of the man they call the ‘Blade Runner’.