Classifications
Terminology simplified..
To ensure fair and meaningful competition, classification systems have been established to group athletes according to the impact of their impairments on sporting performance. This enables athletes to compete on a level playing field, where success is determined by ability, training, and athletic excellence rather than the severity of disability. Athletes are assigned to sport classes based on recognised impairment types, such as spinal cord injuries, limb deficiencies (amputations), and cerebral palsy. The classification framework is subject to ongoing evaluation and revision by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to uphold the principles of fairness, consistency, and competitive equity across Paralympic sport.
Athletes who compete in wheelchair track and field events due to spinal cord injury or limb deficiency are classified in classes T51 to T58. Classes T51 to T54 are designated for wheelchair track athletes, while classes T55 to T58 are for field event athletes.
Within the track classifications, T54 athletes have full trunk and upper limb function. T53 athletes have limited abdominal and trunk function. T52 and T51 athletes have more significant impairment affecting upper limb function, with T51 representing the most severe activity limitation in this category.
Athletes with cerebral palsy who compete in wheelchair events are classified under different guidelines from athletes with spinal cord injuries or amputations, with classifications ranging from T32 to T38. Within this range, T32 to T34 are designated for athletes who compete in a seated (wheelchair) position, while T35 to T38 are for athletes who compete in a standing position.
In essence, only classes T51–T54 and T32–T34 are eligible for wheelchair racing events, including track races and road marathon competitions.
For detailed information on the classification categories above, as well as other classes of functional abilities, full details can be obtained via the following link/resource – World Para Athletics Classification.
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