Importantly, the report makes clear Oscar’s psychological issues manifested after the shooting, not before. And, that Oscar's reaction that night might seem "extraordinary" for an able-bodied person, but not for Oscar.
Oscar's team doctor testified. He may be the last defense witness. He is currently a professor of sports and exercise medicine at the University of Cape Town. He specialises in the prevention of illness and injury in athletes with impairments or disability. He has received several awards. He says the role of a team doctor is to establish a relationship of trust to care for the athletic in a holistic way. He said the relevance of his testimony is his expertise and experience, as well as his intimate knowledge of Oscar, whom he's treated for 6 years. They lived together in a team setting in Beijing & London.
The doctor testified he has observed Oscar interacting with fellow athletes, authority figures and the general public. He has kept in touch with Oscar since Reeva's death.
The doctor says Oscar is highly professional, disciplined and focused. He is very vigilant not to consume prohibited substances.
Oscar has had respiratory tract infections, allergies and problems with his left stump particularly. The pad on bottom of his stump had moved, resulting in him being unable to bear full weight on left leg without leaning. Balance and walking are difficult for him.
He says Oscar is an anxious individual. He has tremor in his hands and a sleep disorder. He testifies about his research on psychological distress in disabled athletes. He says markers for anxiety and depression are higher among disabled athletes than able-bodied athletes. Oscar, he says, has an exaggerated startle response, even at fireworks displays at opening and closing ceremonies. He covers head and ears and "cowers away" until the noise stops. He is hyper-vigilant, which manifests in restlessness, looking around, and scanning for a potential threat.
He also talked about the startle and fight/flight response, saying he has witnessed exaggerated startle and fight / flight responses in disabled people, where able-bodied not react. ""I have observed a significantly higher startle in persons with disability reacting to perceived threat and imminent fear of harm". He says He says it's a primitive response -- adrenaline kicks in, the heart rate goes up, and the muscles prepare.
The Doctor said the last time he spoke to Oscar before Reeva died Oscar had told him "he was lying next to the "most wonderful girl he had ever met." Oscar called him 12 days before shooting and told him he couldn't wait him to meet Reeva.
I still believe that the state has not come close to proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and that an acquittal is in order. I think Oscar's lawyer outperformed his adversary by miles. All Nell displayed was anger as he presented his dubious theory and conflicting witness testimony. We'll have to wait to see if the Judge agrees.
