So, You think Triathlon Is hard…

Alexis Hanquinquant (FRA), Tokyo paralympic champion in the PTS4 category, at the Paris test event in 2023. 

If you think triathlon is tough, you have to watch the Para-triathlon at the Paralympics on 1 and 2 September. These incredible athletes take the already challenging sport of triathlon to the next level, overcoming disabilities while mastering multiple disciplines. Prepare to be inspired by this extraordinary display of human resilience.

We’ve put together an explainer to help you better understand what you’ll be watching. And did you know that MetaSport has also welcomed para-triathletes at its events?

Kelly Elmlinger (USA), reigning world champion in the PTS4 category, at the Paris test event in 2023

A female PTWC athlete on the finish carpet at the Paris test event in 2023

Para-triathlon 101

Para Triathlon Pictogramme for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games 

Introduced to the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016, the Para-triathlon consists of a Sprint distance: a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run.

In Para Triathlon, classifications are designated by the letters PT (Para Triathlon) followed by a code representing the type of disability – WC for wheelchair users (PTWC), S for standing athletes (PTS), and VI for those with visual impairments (PTVI) – and a number indicating the severity of the disability (the lower the number, the more severe the disability is).  

These categories encompass nine classes:

• PTWC 1-2 (Para triathlon wheelchair): Athletes with lower-limb disabilities requiring the use of a handcycle for cycling and a racing wheelchair for running. The two classes are PTWC1 (more severe) and PTWC2, for upper limb and lower limb disabilities, respectively. Athletes must use a recumbent handcycle on the cycling segment and a racing wheelchair for the running segment. The two classes compete together in the same medal event, with staggered starts ensuring fairness among athletes with varying disabilities. PTWC1 competitors receive a time advantage (3m 08s for men, 4m04s for women).
• PTS 2-5 (Para triathlon standing): Athletes with upper and/or lower limb disabilities who do not require a handcycle or wheelchair. Athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices for the cycling segment. These classes are open to athletes with impairments such as, but not limited to, muscle power disorders, limb deficiencies, hypertonia, ataxia, or athetosis. Each class competes in its own event.
• PTVI 1-3 (Para Triathlon Visual Impairment): Athletes with visual impairments. The three classes are PTVI1 (totally blind), PTVI2 (more severe partial blindness), and PTVI3 (less severe partial blindness). Competitors must use a guide of the same gender and nationality throughout the race, and must use a tandem bike, with the guide leading, in the cycling segment. All three classes compete in the same event, with staggered starts ensuring a fair competition. PTVI1 athletes receiving a head start (3m21s for men, 3m48s for women).

The sport features several adaptations to accommodate different disability categories:

• Athletes unable to run complete the cycling portion on a handcycle and use a racing wheelchair for the run. They are allowed to receive human assistance during transitions, which are crucial stages in a triathlon.
• Para triathletes with visual impairments race with a guide, staying together for the entire event and riding a tandem bike during the cycling leg.
• Standing athletes may run with a prosthetic limb or modify their bike if necessary.

All participants start the race in the water, with one hand on the starting pontoon, launching in waves according to their category.

Jetze Plat (NED), Tokyo olympics champion in the PTWC category, at the test event in 2023 

MetaSport welcomes para-athletes

At MetaSport, we are deeply committed to promoting inclusion and eagerly anticipate the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Over the years, we have implemented various adaptations to ensure that para triathletes can participate in the MetaSprint Series, Singapore’s largest triathlon event.

Handcyclist Amanda Mok with her relay team mate Ang Xue Er at the MetaSprint Series Duathlon 2022 

Handcyclist Amsyar Manaf at the MetaSprint Series Duathlon 2022 

From our early beginnings (in the noughties), we have been welcoming para-athletes to our events. Singapore-based American paralympian and artist Gregory Burns was the first to impress us by completing our hilly triathlon in Bintan with a hand bike and wheelchair.

Gregory Burns in transition at the Aviva Bintan Triathlon 2007

The MetaSprint Series Duathlon has been a popular event for hand cyclists, teaming up in a relay. (Para-athletes article MetaSprint Series Duathlon 2022). And the amazing team of Running Hour has been instrumental in getting a number of visually impaired athletes to our start line with a guide.

Send us an email if you are a para-athlete and want to compete in one of our races.