Paratriathlon classification explained

Paratriathlon classification is the classification system for athletes participating in paratriathlon. It is governed by the World Triathlon (formerly known as ITU) The sport has been included in the 2016 Summer Paralympics.

Classification system from 2017

World Triathlon has implemented some modifications to the classification system that was introduced in 2014 after further research was conducted to address certain aspects of the previous system. The research project is an ongoing project for both physical and vision impairments.[1] [2]

Paratriathlon groups athletes into nine sport classes, based on three types of impairment, that compete in six medal events.[3] [4]

Wheelchair users (PTWC)

The two classes are PTWC1 (more severe} and PTWC2, for upper limb and lower limb disabilities, respectively. Athletes must use a recumbent handcycle on the cycling segment and a racing chair for the running segment.

The two classes compete together in the same medal event, with PTWC1 competitors receiving a time advantage (3:08 for men, 4:04 for women).[5]

Standing (ambulatory) athletes (PTS)

There are four classes—PTS2, PTS3, PTS4, and PTS5—with lower numbers indicating more severe limitations. Athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices for the cycling segment. These classes are open to athletes with impairments such as, but not limited to, muscle power disorders, limb deficiencies, hypertonia, ataxia, or athetosis. Each class competes in its own event.

Vision impairment (PTVI)

The three classes are PTVI1 (totally blind or little or no light perception in either eye), PTVI2 (more severe partial blindness), and PTV3 (less severe partial blindness). Competitors must use a guide of the same gender and nationality throughout the race, and must use a tandem bike, with the guide leading, in the cycling segment. All three classes compete in the same event, with PTVI1 athletes receiving a headstart (3:21 for men, 3:48 for women).

Classification system from 2014

The World Triathlon revised the Paratriathlon classification system in preparation for the sport's debut at the 2016 Summer Paralympics. The World Triathlon formed a Paratriathlon Classification Research Group to develop an evidence-based and sports specific classification system, drawing on work in swimming, cycling and athletics.[6] [7]

The result of the research was a classification system which was implemented during the 2014 season. There were five classes, PT1 to PT4 was for athletes with various mobility impairments with PT1 for the most impaired and PT4 for the least impaired. PT5 was for visually impaired athletes.[8]

Pre-2014 classification system

Until the 2014 season, the ITU classified paratriathletes into seven categories:[9]

This classification system was used at National, Continental and World Paratriathlon Championships until the end of the 2013 season.

Levels of Classification

As in many other sports, there are three levels of paratriathlon classification available: Provisional, National and International. The first is for athletes who do not have access to a full classification panel; it is a temporary indication of class, generally used only in lower levels of competition. The second can be used in all domestic competitions. To compete internationally, an International-level classification is required.[10] Many disabled triathletes compete entirely in age-group races, without going through the classification process.

Ironman triathlon classification

The Ironman World Championship includes several divisions for paratriathletes:[11]

These Ironman Triathlon divisions were developed by the World Triathlon Corporation; they are separate from the classification system used by the ITU and International Paralympic Committee.

At the Paralympic Games

For the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio, the International Paralympic Committee had a zero classification at the Games policy. This policy was put into place in 2014, with the goal of avoiding last minute changes in classes that would negatively impact athlete training preparations. All competitors needed to be internationally classified with their classification status confirmed prior to the Games, with exceptions to this policy being dealt with on a case-by-case basis.[12] In case there was a need for classification or reclassification at the Games despite best efforts otherwise, paratriathlon classification was scheduled to take place at Fort Copacabana from September 4–6 for vision impaired competitors, and September 5–6 for all others. For sportspeople with physical or intellectual disabilities going through classification or reclassification in Rio, their in-competition observation event is their first appearance in competition at the Games.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Paratriathlon Categories . Triathlon.org . 2020-06-21.
  2. Web site: Paralympic Classification . paralympic.org . 2020-06-21.
  3. Web site: Para Triathlon Classification & Categories. 2021-10-22. International Paralympic Committee. en.
  4. Web site: Tokyo 2020 Paratriathlon Classifications Explained. 2021-10-22. www.britishtriathlon.org. en.
  5. Web site: Triathlon. World. 2020-01-01. Paratriathlon - what you need to know ahead of Tokyo. 2021-10-22. World Triathlon. en.
  6. Web site: 16 Jan 2013. World Triathlon Paratriathlon Classification Research Group meets in San Diego. 19 February 2012 .
  7. Web site: 30 July 2012. Classification History. International Paralympic Committee. Bonn, Germany.
  8. Web site: Paratriathlon Categories . Triathlon.org . 2016-08-20.
  9. Web site: ITU Paratriathlon Classification Rules and Regulations. World Triathlon. August 2013. August 22, 2023. 25.
  10. Web site: What is Classification? . Australian Paralympic Committee . 30 July 2012 . Sydney, Australia.
  11. Web site: "/> Web site: Rio 2016 Classification Guide. March 2016. International Paralympic Committee. July 22, 2016.