In Para-athletics, classification groups eligible athletes with similar impairments to allow for a fair and even playing field.
Classification is a formal process that determines:
Classification considerations:
Ambulatory athletes compete in events standing, with or without assistive devices such as prosthetics. Like wheelchair events, these are contested across multiple classifications based on functional ability.
Athletes compete from a fixed seated position due to impairments affecting their lower body, trunk stability, or coordination. Seated throwers compete from a stationary throwing frame or chair.
Wheelchair racing is a distinct discipline within Paraathletics. Racing chairs are highly specialised performance equipment, designed for speed and efficiency
| Category # | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hearing impairment |
| 11 - 13 | Vision impairnment |
| 20 | Intellectual impairment |
| 21 | Intellectual impairment and significant additional impairment |
| 30 - 34 | Coordination impairments (compete seated) |
| 35 - 38 | Coordination impairments (compete standing) |
| 40 - 41 | Short stature |
| 42 - 44 | Lower limb impairments (compete without a prosthesis |
| 45 - 47 | Upper limb impairment |
| 51 - 57 | Lower limb impairments/ impaired muscle power or impaired range of movement (compete seated) |
| 60 | Transplant recipient |
| 61 - 64 | Lower limb impairments (compete using a prosthesis) |
| 71 - 72 | Coordination impairments (compete in a frame runner) |
Each link provides specific details for each classification across Track, Field and Jumps events.
T01 | T11 | T12 | T12 (T11/12) | T13 | T13 (T12/13) | T20 | T21 | T33 | T34 | T34 (T33/34) | T35 | T36 | T37 | T38 | T38 (T37/38) | T42 | T43 | T44 | T44 (T43/44) | T45 | T46 | T46 (T45/46) | T47 | T47 (T45/46/47) | T51 | T52 | T52 (T51/52) | T53 | T53 (T52/53) | T54 | T54 (T53/54) | T54 (T52/53/54) | T60 | T61 | T62 | T63 | T63 (T42/61/63) | T63 (T42/63) | T64 | T64 (T44/62/64) | T64 (T44/64) | T71 | T72 | T72 (T71/72)
T01 | T11 | T12 | T13 | T13 (T12/13) | T20 | T21 | T36 | T37 | T38 |T47 (T45/46/47) | T60 | T63 (T42/61/63) | T63 (T42/63) | T64 (T44/62/64) | T64 (T44/64)
F01 | F11 | F12 | F12 (F11/12) | F13 (F12/13) | F20 | F21 | F32 | F32 (F31/32) | F33 | F34 | F34 (F33/34) | F35 | F36 | F37 | F38 | F38 (F37/38) | F40 | F41 | F41 (F40/41) | F42 | F43 | F44 | F44 (F43/44) | F44 (F42/43/44) | F46 | F46 (F45/46) | F51 | F52 | F52 (F51/52) | F53 | F53 (F51/52/53) | F54 | F54 (F53/54) | F55 | F55 (F54/55) | F56 | F56 (F55/56) | F56 (F54/55/56) | F57 | F57 (F56/57) | F60 | F63 (F42/61/63) | F64 (F43/44/62/64) | F64 (F42/43/44/61/62/63/64)
LEXI is a program that visually explains Para Sport classification. Unisex figures use traffic‑light colours to illustrate areas of impaired coordination, movement or vision. Watch the video below to understand how the LEXI system works.
