(Seulement disponible en anglais présentement)
Triathlon is a multidisciplinary endurance sport that challenges athletes to a continuous race over three disciplines: 750m of swimming, followed by 20km of cycling and 5km of running. The sport is designed to embrace as many athletes as possible, while testing a variety of key skills. Competition categories are based on types of impairment. Depending on the category, any athletes may use a handcycle, tandem bicycle or bicycle on the bike course, while wheelchairs are permitted on the run portion.
(Source: International Paralympic Committee)
Classification
Classifications are based on impairment and functional ability. Medical evidence is required as proof of physical or visual impairment. The six categories are as follows:
There are six different types of categories a Triathlete can compete in:
- TRI 1 - Handcycle: Paraplegic, Quadriplegic, Polio, Double Leg Amputee. Must use handcycle on bike course and racing wheelchair on run.
- TRI 2 - Severe leg impairment including above knee amputees. Athlete must ride bicycle and run with above knee prosthesis (or similar prosthesis) or run using crutches.
- TRI 3 - Les Autre: This category includes athletes with Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, double leg amputee runners or paralysis in multiple limbs. Athlete will ride a bicycle and run. Athlete may use braces or prosthesis if required.
- TRI 4 - Arm impairment including paralysis, above-elbow amputees and below-elbow amputees, or impairment in both upper limbs. Athlete may use prosthesis, brace or sling on the bike and/or run.
- TRI 5 - Moderate leg impairment including below-knee amputees. Athlete rides bicycle and runs with prosthesis.
- TRI 6 - Visual Impairment, legally Blind (20/200 vision with best corrective vision). A handler of the same sex is mandatory throughout the race. Athlete is tethered during the swim and run. Athlete uses a tandem bicycle.
For more information, the International Triathlon Union’s Paratriathlon Classification Manual is available at www.triathlon.org.
(Source: International Triathlon Union)
History
Founded in 1989, the International Triathlon Union is the world governing body for the sport of Triathlon, Triathlon and all related multi-sport disciplines: Duathlon, Aquathlon and Winter Triathlon. Triathlon was awarded Olympic status in 1994 and debuted in the Olympic Games in Sydney 2000. The sport of Triathlon will be included in the Paralympic program for the 2016 Games. It is fully integrated in the ITU and its member Continental Confederations and National Federations, all of which are dedicated to serving athletes and to contribute to the Paralympic Movement.
(Source: International Paralympic Committee)
