Oscar Pistorius expresses regret for killing girlfriend

South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has expressed deep regret for fatally shooting his girlfriend on Valentine's Day last year.

Pistorius, 28, was charged with killing Reeva Steenkamp at his Pretoria home in the early hours of February 14, 2013, Xinhua news agency reported.

"No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved and continues to love Reeva," the athlete dubbed "Blade Runner" wrote on his website.

"I will carry the trauma of that day for the rest of my life. The pain and sadness, especially for Reeva's parents, family and friends consumes me with sorrow."

Pistorius will face trial at the North Gauteng High Court in early March on charges of premeditated murder and reckless use of a firearm in public.

At a court hearing after the shooting last year, Pistorius claimed he had accidentally shot Steenkamp after fearing an intruder had entered his house.

He was freed on US$100,000 bail on February 22 in the same year.

Pistorius made history by becoming the first double-leg amputee to compete at an Olympics.

He participated in the men's 400m and 4x400m relay races at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.