Para-athletics is a sport that caters to individuals with physical disabilities, allowing them to compete in various events. In para-athletics, athletes are classified based on their impairment to ensure fair competition. There are several classifications in para-athletics, each representing different types of disabilities and levels of impairment.
Visual Impairment
Athletes with visual impairments are classified based on the severity of their impairment. The classifications for visual impairment include:
- T11: Athletes with a total absence of light perception in both eyes or some light perception but an inability to recognize the shape of a hand at any distance or in any direction.
- T12: Athletes with the ability to recognize the shape of a hand up to a distance of one meter.
- T13: Athletes with a visual acuity of up to 6/60 and/or a visual field of less than 20 degrees.
Physical Impairment
Athletes with physical impairments are classified based on their impairment type and level. The classifications for physical impairment include:
- T/F31-38: Athletes with cerebral palsy who compete in throwing events.
- T/F41-46: Athletes with limb impairments who compete in sprinting, jumping, and throwing events.
- T/F51-54: Athletes with spinal cord injuries who compete in wheelchair racing events.
Intellectual Impairment
Athletes with intellectual impairments are classified based on their cognitive abilities. The classifications for intellectual impairment include:
- T20: Athletes with a mild intellectual impairment.
- T21: Athletes with a moderate intellectual impairment.
- T35-38: Athletes with a severe intellectual impairment.
Amputee
Athletes with amputations are classified based on the level and type of their amputation. The classifications for amputee athletes include:
- T42: Athletes with single below-the-knee amputations or equivalent impairments.
- T43: Athletes with double below-the-knee amputations or equivalent impairments.
- T44: Athletes with single above-the-knee amputations or equivalent impairments.
Limb Loss
Athletes with limb loss are classified based on the type and level of their limb loss. The classifications for athletes with limb loss include:
- T45: Athletes with upper limb loss or deficiency.
- T46: Athletes with lower limb loss or deficiency.
Cerebral Palsy
Athletes with cerebral palsy are classified based on their movement impairments. The classifications for athletes with cerebral palsy include:
- T32: Athletes with spastic diplegia.
- T33: Athletes with spastic hemiplegia.
- T34: Athletes with other types of cerebral palsy.