T45 (classification)

T45 is disability sport classification for disability athletics.

History

The classification was created by the International Paralympic Committee and has roots in a 2003 attempt to address "the overall objective to support and co-ordinate the ongoing development of accurate, reliable, consistent and credible sport focused classification systems and their implementation."[1]

Sport

This classification is for disability athletics.[2] This classification is one of several classifications for athletes with ambulant related disabilities. Similar classifications are T40, T42, T43, T44, T45 and T46.[3] Jane Buckley, writing for the Sporting Wheelies, describes the athletes in this classification as: "Double above elbow or double below elbow amputations or similar disability."[2] The International Paralympic Committee defined this as: "Athletes with BILATERAL upper limb impairment where BOTH limbs meet the relevant unilateral criteria described for upper limb deficiency (Section 4.1.4.b.i), impaired upper limb ROM (Section 4.1.5.c.i) or impaired upper limb muscle power (Section 4.1.6.c.i) may compete in this class for all running and jumping events."[4]

Becoming classified

Athletes seeking to compete in para-athletics first need to have a classification assessment. During this, they undergo a medical examination and are asked to demonstrate their skills in athletics, such as running, jumping or throwing. A determination is then made as to what an classification an athlete should compete in. Classifications may be Confirmed or Review status. For athletes who do not have access to a full classification panel, Provisional classification is available; this is a temporary Review classification, considered an indication of class only, and generally used only in lower levels of competition.[5]

Competitors

Notable runners in this class include Yohansson Nascimento (BRA), who holds T45 world records at 100m, 200m and 400m distances. 2012 Paralympic medalists Zhao Xu (CHN)[6] and Samkelo Radebe (RSA)[7] also compete in this class.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Paralympic Classification Today". International Paralympic Committee. 22 April 2010. p. 3.
  2. 1 2 Buckley, Jane (2011). "Understanding Classification: A Guide to the Classification Systems used in Paralympic Sports". Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  3. ↑ "Summer Sports » Athletics". Australia: Australian Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  4. ↑ Tweedy, Sean (16 July 2010). "Research Report - IPC Athletics Classification Project for Physical Impairments" (PDF). Queensland, Australiaa: International Paralympic Committee. p. 43. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  5. ↑ "CLASSIFICATION Information for Athletes" (PDF). Sydney Australia: Australian Paralympic Committee. 2 July 2010. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  6. ↑ "Xu Zhao". London 2012 Paralympics. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
  7. ↑ Samkelo Radebe, retrieved 22 September 2012
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