Paratriathlon classification

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

Classification system from 2014

The ITU revised the Paratriathlon classification system in preparation for the sport's debut at the 2016 Summer Paralympics. The ITU formed a Paratriathlon Classification Research Group to develop an evidence-based and sports specific classification system, drawing on work in swimming, cycling and athletics.[1][2][3]

The result of the research is a new classification system which has been implemented during the 2014 season. There are five classes, PT1 to PT4 is for athletes with various mobility impairments with PT1 for the most impaired and PT4 for the least impaired. PT5 is for visually impaired athletes.[4]

Pre-2014 classification system

Until the 2014 season the ITU classified paratriathletes into 6 classes:[1]

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.[5] 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:[6]

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.

References

  1. 1 2 "Paratriathlon Categories". International Triathlon Union. Retrieved 16 Jan 2013.
  2. "ITU Paratriathlon Classification Research Group meets in San Diego". Retrieved 16 Jan 2013.
  3. "Classification History". Bonn, Germany: International Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  4. http://www.triathlon.org/paratriathlon/categories
  5. "What is Classification?". Sydney, Australia: Australian Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  6. http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/ironman/world-championship/athletes/lottery-and-legacy.aspx
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