The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will mark the third appearance of paratriathlon, which made its debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, introducing an exciting new discipline for athletes with disabilities. This sport is contested over the ‘sprint’ distance, which includes a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run. In this format, athletes compete in various classes based on their disabilities, using different equipment tailored to their needs. The Paralympic events are held with medals awarded in three male and three female categories, with athletes striving to excel in a challenging and competitive environment.
The rules of paratriathlon, set by its governing body, World Triathlon, vary depending on the athlete’s class. In the seated class, competitors use a handcycle for the cycling segment and a wheelchair for the run. Athletes with visual impairments compete on tandem bikes during the cycling segment and are accompanied by a guide throughout the race. In the standing classes, athletes may use prosthetics or modify their bikes to suit their needs. Transitions between the different segments are crucial, and assistants play an essential role in these phases, helping athletes in the transition areas.
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Paratriathlon is divided into nine sport classes: PTWC for wheelchair athletes, PTS for standing athletes with various disabilities, and PTVI for athletes with visual impairments. The classes are numbered to indicate the level of disability, with lower numbers indicating greater limitations. Wheelchair athletes and visually impaired athletes compete in combined events with interval starts, while standing athletes participate in events that may have modifications to their equipment to enhance their performance.
Since its introduction in Rio 2016, paratriathlon has seen increasing participation and excitement in its competitions. The first Paralympic champion was German Martin Schulz in the PT4 male category. The events are held over the ‘sprint’ distance, and athletes receive assistance during transitions and throughout the race to maximize their performance. Adequate assistance and support from caregivers and guides are crucial for the success of athletes in this demanding discipline.
The main venue for this third edition of paratriathlon will be the Pont Alexandre III, which was inaugurated in 1900 and has been part of some of Paris’s most memorable events. It will be one of the key locations for the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
