T40 (classification)

T40 is 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] Jane Buckley, writing for the Sporting Wheelies, describes the athletes in this classification as: "Dwarf class - achondroplasia or similar J18 years old max height: 145cm (male) 140cm (female)."[2] The Australian Paralympic Committee defines this classification as being for athletes who have the "People with dwarfism due to achondroplasia or a variant of this."[3]

An International Paralympic Committee Athletics Classification Project report, not yet implemented, proposed splitting the current T40 classification, with more restrictive T40 eligibility criteria (for shorter or more disproportionate athletes) and a new T41 classification (for athletes at the minimum disability end of the current class). This proposal would see the maximum height of T40 athletes <130cm (male) and <125cm (female).[4]

Becoming classified

Short-statured athletes seeking to compete in this class first need to have a classification evaluation. During this, they undergo a medical examination where their height and limbs are measured, and are asked to demonstrate skills in athletics such as running and throwing. A determination is then made as to what an classification an athlete should compete in.[5]

Competitors

Australian athletics competitors in this class include Nathan Nass, Candice Schmidt and Kate Wilson.[6]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Paralympic Classification Today". International Paralympic Committee. 22 April 2010. p. 3.
  2. 1 2 Buckley, Jane (2011). "Understanding Classification: A Guide to the Classification Systems used in Paralympic Sports". Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  3. ↑ "Classification Information Sheet" (PDF). Sydney, Australia. 16 November 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  4. ↑ "Research Report - IPC Athletics Classification Project for Physical Impairments" (PDF). International Paralympic Committee. p. 40. Retrieved 17 Jan 2013.
  5. ↑ "CLASSIFICATION Information for Athletes" (PDF). Sydney Australia: Australian Paralympic Committee. 2 July 2010. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  6. ↑ "Australian Athletics Classification Masterlist" (PDF). Sydney, Australia: Australian Paralympic Committee. 3 November 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
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