The para triathlon is one of the most popular events at the Paralympic Games.
The Paris 2024 Para Triathlon will be held on Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd September in the heart of the capital. New to the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, the Para Triathlon has been a real hit since its entry into the Paralympic programme.
The Para triathlon of the Games is contested on a format of 750 meters of swimming, 20 kilometers of cycling and 5 kilometers of running. This discipline awards 11 individual titles according to the classifications, and some events can be adapted. Thus, we can see some events contested on handbike for cycling and in athletics wheelchair for the running part.
Flag bearer of the French delegation, Norman Alexis Hanquinquant is the favorite for a Paralympic double after the gold won in Tokyo. Generally speaking, para triathlon is one of the strong disciplines for the French team, with 8 titles won at the last world championships and a delegation of 21 athletes present.
Classifications for para triathlon
The three disability categories competing in para triathlon are separated into different classes.
- PTWC 1 and 2: reserved for athletes with lower limb disabilities requiring the use of a handbike and an athletics wheelchair.
- PTS 2 to 5: classes for athletes with upper and/or lower limb disabilities who do not require a handbike and an athletics wheelchair. Competitors may, however, use a prosthesis for cycling and running.
- PTVI 1 to 3: visually impaired and blind athletes. Blind athletes are accompanied by a guide and cycle in tandem.
The para triathlon program
The para triathlon will take place on September 1 and 2 in the center of Paris.
- Sunday September 1st : Men PTS 2, 3, 4, 5; Women PTS 2, 4, 5
- Monday September 2: Men and women PTWC and PTVI