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Wheelchair Athletics involves track, road and field events. Athletes can complete in multiple events, in multiple categories, depending on classification of injury they fall under. Wheelchair Athletics is open to all classes of disability — amputee, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and partially sighted (when combined with amputee/or cerebral palsy/or spinal cord injury).

For the track events, athletes can participate in sprint (100m, 200m, 400m), middle distance (800m, 1500m), long distance (5,000m, 10,000m) and team relay races (4x100m, 4x400m). Specially designed wheelchairs are used to boost an athlete’s performance. The wheelchairs can either have three or four wheels, depending on the individual’s preference.

The same rules apply for wheelchair track athletes as to able-bodied athletes. The only thing that differs is the rules for the wheelchair.

For field events, these include shot put, javelin, club throw and discus. All of the events are completed from a stationary position with the athletes wheelchairs securely strapped down. Many athletes now have special throwing chairs that help to enhance technique.

There are very few rules that are adapted for the field events. One rule modification is that the wheels are not an enforced part of the athlete’s chair. Each athlete is given three throws and the top eight athletes move on to the finals.

Track Events :

Field Events :