Triathlon

New sport to be part of the Paralympic programme from Rio 2016 onwards, triathlon has been winning more and more fans over, and is practiced in over 60 countries. The event consists of a 750 metre swim, 20 km cycling and 5 km running. In addition, athletes with several types of disability may compete, such as wheelchair users, amputees and those with some sort of visual impairment.

Some adaptations were made in relation to the conventional version, such as the possibility of quadriplegic or wheelchair users using a hand-cycle. The running part may be completed on a wheelchair. In 2016, the competition will be held on Copacabana Beach.

Classification*

TRI 1
Paraplegic, quadriplegic and double amputee athletes who use a hand-cycle and/or wheelchair.

TRI2
Athletes with severe disabilities in the legs who use prostheses

TRI 3
Les autres, which can include athletes with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, among others

TRI 4
Athletes with disabilities in the arms, like paralysis or amputees

TRI 5
Athletes with moderate leg impairment, such as below-knee amputees

TRI 6
Visually impaired or totally blind athletes, who are assisted by guides in the running and cycling (tandem bicycle) events, and a tapper in the swimming part.

* Still being defined

Curiosities

Watching triathlon at the Paralympic Games is an old wish by former triathlon athlete Rivaldo Martins. The Brazilian athlete was a triathlon expert, before suffering a car crash and losing part of his left leg. As the sport was not part of the Paralympic programme, Rivaldo ended up competing as a swimmer and cyclist at three editions of the Games. After his retirement, the former four time world champion started working as the coach of the Brazilian delegation.