Para athletics - how it works

There are 10 eligible impairment types in para athletics – eight of them physical, plus visual and intellectual impairments.

The eight physical impairments:

Ataxia Impaired muscle co-ordination due to problems with the central nervous system, e.g. cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injuries.

Athetosis Repetitive, involuntary movements arising from problems in the central nervous system, e.g. cerebral palsy and strokes.

Hypertonia Abnormal increase in muscle tension with reduced ability of muscles to stretch, joint stiffness, slowness of movement, and poor postural balance, e.g. stroke, traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy. Impaired muscle power Muscles in the limb or trunk are completely or partially paralysed, e.g. spinal cord injury, polio or spina bifida. Impaired passive range of movement Range of movement in one or more joints is permanently reduced due to trauma, illness or congenital deficiency.

Leg length difference At least 7cm difference in leg length as a result of congenital conditions, illness or trauma.

Limb deficiency A total or partial absence of joints or bones as a consequence of amputation due to trauma, illness or congenital limb deficiency.

Short stature Limb length and standing height are reduced due to conditions such as osteogenesis imperfecta and achondroplasia.

The other two impairments are:

Visual impairment Vision is impacted by either an impairment of the eye structure, optical nerves or the part of the brain controlling vision.

Intellectual impairment Limited intellectual and adaptive behavioural function, which must be diagnosed before the age of 18.

Eligible athletes are categorised based on type and severity of their impairment and their chosen event.

Track events are given a ‘T’ prefix, while field events are given an ‘F’ prefix. They are then paired with a number to give an overall competition class and event.

Generally speaking, the lower the number within each category, the more severe the impairment.

11-13 Athletes with a visual impairment. Runners competing in T11 events do so with a guide. 20 Intellectual impairment.

31-34 Athletes with conditions that cause increased muscle tone, involuntary muscle contractions or affect muscle coordination. Athletes compete using a wheelchair or throwing frame.

35-38 Athletes with conditions that cause increased muscle tone, involuntary muscle contractions or affect muscle coordination. Athletes compete standing.

40-41 Athletes with a short stature.

42-44 Athletes have impairments of the lower limbs. All athletes compete standing.

45-47 Athletes have impairments of the upper limbs. All athletes compete standing.

51-57 Athletes with musculoskeletal impairments such as limb deficiency of movement. All compete in a wheelchair or with a throwing frame.