Paralympic athletes cross-country ski on tracks ranging from 2.5km to 20km, depending on the event. They use an interval start system, as well as the Nordic Percentage System, to equalize across categories. Paralympic cross-country skiing also has a relay event where each skier completes one leg of the race. Relay teams may be made up of individuals in different classification categories.
Cross-country skiers use both the classical technique, where their skis move parallel to one another in machine made tracks, and the free technique, where they push off with the edge of their skis to propel themselves. Free technique is slightly faster and uses shorter skis. Sit skiers only follow the classical technique because they propel themselves using their arms. Cross-country skiing events are split into two separate races for both standing & visually-impaired classes: classical and free technique.
Cross-country Skiing is governed by the IPC with co-ordination by the IPC Nordic Skiing Technical Committee following modified rules of the International Ski Federation (FIS). Cross Country Canada is the National Sport Federation.
Classification
Paralympic Cross-Country skiing involves three classes of sitting, standing, and skiers with a visual impairment. Standing skiers and those with a visual impairment use the same equipment as skiers without a disability, but athletes with a visual impairment use a guide. Sitting skiers use a special made sit-ski called a sledge.
Visually impaired
B1 - totally blind (no sight)
B2 - partially sighted (visual acuity of 20/60 – limited sight)
B3 - partially sighted (visual acuity above 20/60 to 6/60 –more sight than B2)
Standing
LW1 - double above-knee amputees
LW2 - outrigger skiers
LW3 - double below-knee amputees
LW4 - skiers with prosthesis
LW5/7- skiers without poles
LW6/8 - skiers with one pole
LW9/1 - disability of arm and leg (after amputation)
LW9/2 - disability of arm and leg (cerebral palsy)
Sitting
LW10 - high degree of paraplegia, no muscles in lower body
LW11 - lower degree of paraplegia, with muscles in lower body
LW12/1 - lower degree of paraplegia, lower incomplete paralysis
LW12/2 - double above-knee amputees
Equipment
Sit-Ski: An athlete with a lower-body disability uses a sledge (or “sit-ski”), which is a specially built chair attached to a pair of skis. The skis are almost identical to standard skis, although shorter, and are attached to the chair with a standard cross-country binding.
Ski: Made from fiberglass, classical skis are usually 25cm to 30cm taller than the height of a skier. They are light, weighing less than 0.45kg each, and narrow, with curved tips and a cambered midsection, which is thicker and arched. Free technique skis are about 10cm to 15cm shorter for greater manoeuvrability. They are also nominally stiffer and have tips that curve less than classical technique skis. The underside of both types of skis has a groove down the centre to keep the ski straight when going downhill.
History
Cross-country skiing originated in prehistoric times and became widely practiced in the 19th century as a method of winter transportation. Cross-country skiing was only introduced to North America in the 1850s by Norwegian and Swedish immigrants. In Canada, a cross country skiing pioneer called Jackrabbit Johannsen had a major role in stimulating an interest in the sport throughout the country. He organized races, officiated events, and served as a guide, coach, and consultant for numerous skiing organizations, many of which he helped to found. He later helped coach Canada's Olympic team in 1932.
Cross-country skiing appeared at the 1976 Paralympic Winter Games in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. Men and women used the classical technique in all cross-country distances until skating was introduced by athletes at the Innsbruck 1984 Paralympic Winter Games. Today cross-country skiing is practiced by elite athletes in more than 20 countries.
