Introduction to physical impairments Limb deficiencies
Sport Classes T/F 42-47 & 61-64 – Athletes with a physical impairment – Limb deficiencies
Class T61-64, F61-64: Lower limb deficiency with amputation
Athletes in these classes are affected by one or more of the musculoskeletal impairments of limb deficiency, leg length difference, impaired muscle power or impaired passive range of movement.
Athletes with lower limb amputations who compete using equipment/prosthetic devices
- Class T/F61: Bilateral above knee limb deficiency with prothesis
- Class T/F62: Bilateral below knee limb deficiency with prothesis
- Class T/F63: Single above knee limb deficiency with prothesis
- Class T/F64: Single below knee limb deficiency with prothesis
Class T61-64, F61-64: Lower limb deficiency with amputation
Athletes in these classes are affected by one or more of the musculoskeletal impairments of limb deficiency, leg length difference, impaired muscle power or impaired passive range of movement.
The primary impairments are in the upper limbs. All athletes in these classes compete standing without support. The criteria for running and jumps are slightly different to the criteria for throws.
Athletes with upper limb impairment who compete with or without upper limb prosthesis
- Class T/F45: Comparable to bilateral above or through elbow amputation
- For throws, impairment should impact both arms in gripping/throwing
- Class T/F46: Comparable to single above or through elbow amputation OR double through or above wrist (ie. Below the elbow)
- Class T/F47: Comparable to single through wrist/below elbow amputation
Rules & Regulations
The rules of Para Athletics are almost identical to those of its Olympic counterparts. Allowances are made to accommodate athlete’s functional impairments. Some modifications for athletes with limb deficiencies include some of the following, this is not an exhaustive list. A full guide of the rules and regulations of World Para Athletics can be found here.
Use of blocks
T42-T47: are NOT required to use blocks
- May crouch, stand, or do a three-point stance with or without blocks
- If they do use blocks, they are not required to use both foot plates
T45-T47: Arm amputees or those with short arms may use pads to rest their stump on at the start
- Blocks or pads should be of similar colour to the track or neutral colour
- Pad must be completely within the lane and behind the starting line and not interfere with any other athlete
T61-T62: are NOT required to use blocks
- Athletes can crouch, stand, or use a three-point stance with or without blocks
- If they do use blocks, they are not required to use both foot plates
Use of prosthetic and orthoses
T45-T47: The use of a prosthetic is optional; but, if a prosthetic is used, they must complete the event with the device.
T/F61-64: Must complete the event with their prosthetics in running events and horizontal jumps. The use of prosthetics is optional in all field events.
T/F61-62 shall not exceed their Maximum Allowable Standing Height (MASH).
The MASH height is measured in the Call Room where the cutoff calculations are provided by the classification team or the World Para Athletics classification database. Measurements must be made upon each entry into the competition area.
The Clerk or their assistant does this in the Call Room.
T/F42-44 athletes with lower limb impairments may use orthotic devices (optional)
Athlete interview
We caught up with Madison Wilson-Walker and Thomas Normandeau to chat with them about their experience in Para Athletics as T62 and T47 athletes respectively.
How did you discover Para Athletics?
Thomas: I discovered Para Athletics in 2018, when I was going into my last year of University. I was attending Western Oregon University and representing there track and field team as an able-bodied athlete. My father actually discovered Para athletics and informed me that there might be an opportunity to compete against other athletes with my impairment.
Up to this point I had no clue there were competitions to level the playing field with other alike athletes. Within a month I was fast tracked to get internationally classified for team Canada and I competed at the Canadian national level.
Madison: I found track and field when I was in high school. I really just wanted to be on some sort of sports team and to find something I could be more than average at. I competed in the para category for 100m and 800m all through high school and still hold the OFSAA 100m record. I made my first national team in 2015 for the para world championships in Doha, Qatar. I competed in the 100m, 200m and 400m. My best finish was 6th place in the 400m final. I have competed for Canada two other times at the 2019 para pan am games and the 2019 para world championships. I hope to continue to represent Canada several more times in my athletic career.
What tip would you offer a coach starting with an athlete with an impairment?
Thomas: When a coach starts working with an athlete with an impairment, they need to focus on adaptability and patience. Depending on the impairment, all athletes are very different. In my case, I have to variate a lot of my strength and condition. Having a limb deficiency causes my strength coach and I to build my workouts backwards to strengthen the body properly. The other tip is patience. Some athletes with limitations may take longer then any other athlete the coach has ever worked with. Movement patterns and exercises can be much more difficult for athletes with impairments.
Madison: My tip would be patience. It’s just as new to the athlete as it is coach. An athlete with a disability shouldn’t be treated any differently from able bodied athletes. However, they should be accommodating with any potential modifications to be made in training.
What is the one question you wish people asked about you as an athlete?
Thomas: I wish people asked me about my progression in the sport. I have only been running track and field since I was 17 years old, and that is a late start compared to many athletes. The rise to the top takes an unreal amount of work and focus. The body and mind go through transformations that will set you up for a better life, and if you can stay focused on those goals you will undergo some experiences that only a handful of individuals get to experience. The progression is not linear with all the injuries and setbacks you experience, but how you overcome those challenges and better yourself.As Para athletics continues to grow as a sport, I welcome all who wish to challenge themselves and discover the opportunities provided. From my experience, Para athletics has opened so many doors in my life! Memories and experiences that I will forever cherish. Without Para athletics I would not be able to compete at the level I am now, and for that I am very grateful