T35 (classification)

T35 and CP5 are disability sport classification for disability athletics.

History

The classification was created by the International Paralympic Committee and has roots in a 2003 attempt to address "the overall objective to support and co-ordinate the ongoing development of accurate, reliable, consistent and credible sport focused classification systems and their implementation."^[1]

Sport

This classification is for disability athletics.^[2] This classification is one of eight classifications for athletes with cerebral palsy, four for wheelchair athletes (T31, T32, T33, T34) and four for ambulant ones (T35, T36, T37 and T38).^[3] Jane Buckley, writing for the Sporting Wheelies, describes the athletes in this classification as: "CP5, see CP-ISRA classes (appendix) Ambulant".^[2] The classification in the appendix by Buckley goes on to say "The athlete may need assistive devices for walking but not in standing or throwing. The athlete may have sufficient function to run but demonstrates poor balance".^[2] The Australian Paralympic Committee defines this classification as being for "Moderate problems in lower limbs. Good functional strength and minimal control problems in upper limbs. No wheelchair. May or may not use assistive devices".^[4] The International Paralympic Committee Athletics Classification Rules and Regulations state "A Class T35 athlete must have sufficient function to run on the track within the rules of IPC Athletics. Athletes who can perform this task but with difficulty may also fit the Sports Class Profile for T34".^[5] According to IPC rules, an ambulant athlete with spastic diplegia featuring lower limb spasticity Grade 3 is eligible to compete in either the T35 classification (running) or as a wheelchair racer in T34.^[6]

Becoming classified

Athletes with cerebral palsy or similar impairments who wish to compete in para-athletics competition must first undergo a classification assessment. During this, they both undergo a bench test of muscle coordination and demonstrate their skills in athletics, such as running and throwing. A determination is then made as to what an classification an athlete should compete in. Classifications may be Confirmed or Review status. For athletes who do not have access to a full classification panel, Provisional classification is available; this is a temporary Review classification, considered an indication of class only, and generally used only in lower levels of competition.^[7]

Competitors

Notable female competitors in the T35 class include Liu Ping (CHN), Sophia Warner (GBR), Oxana Corso (ITA), Virginia McLaughlin (CAN), Anna Luxova (CZE), Rachael Dodds (AUS) and Erinn Walters (AUS).^{[8] [9] [10]}

In 2011, Fu Xinhan from China was ranked 1 in the world in the Men's 100 metre T35 event.^[11] Mokgalagadi Teboho from South Africa was ranked 2 in the world in the 100 metre event.^[11] Boukhalfa Allel from Algeria was ranked 3 in the world in the 100 metre event.^[11] Barreto Hernan from Brazil was ranked 4 in the world in the 100 metre event.^[11] Stein Niels from Germany was ranked 5 in the world in the 100 metre event.^[11]

See also

• Para-athletics classification
• Athletics at the Summer Paralympics
• Athletics at the 2008 Summer Paralympics – Men's 100 metres T35

References

v t e Paralympic Athletics Classification T11 T12 T13 T20 T31 T32 T33 T34 T35 T36 T37 T38 T40 T42 T43 T44 T45 T46 T51 T52 T53 T54