Para-athletics has been contested at the Paralympic Games since the first Games, in Rome, Italy in 1960.

Para-athletics is comprised of Track and Field events and is open to athletes with a physical, intellectual or vision impairment.

On the track, athletes race over 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m and 10000m, 4x100m and 4x400m relays, marathons, either in standing events, using race wheelchairs or race running. In the field, standing throwers compete in the discus, shotput and javelin and seated throwers, who throw from a frame, throw the shotput, club, discus or javelin.

Medal History

• 2024Paris
  326
  11
• 2020Tokyo
  478
  19
• 2016Rio de Janeiro
  3914
  26
• 2012London
  5913
  27
• 2008Beijing
  1097
  26
• 2004Athens
  101210
  32
• 2000Sydney
  351516
  66
• 1996Atlanta
  191212
  43
• 1992Barcelona-Madrid
  131512
  40
• 1988Seoul
  141920
  53
• 1984New York & Stoke Mandeville
  171922
  58
• 1980Arnhem
  8917
  34
• 1976Toronto
  7114
  22
• 1972Heidelberg
  344
  11
• 1968Tel Aviv
  775
  19
• 1964Tokyo
  230
  5
• 1960Rome
  041
  5

Events and Disciplines

Track events
• 100m
• 200m
• 400m
• 800m
• 1500m
• 5000m
• 10000m
• 4 x 100m relay
• 4 x 400m relay
• Marathon

Field events
• Club throw
• Discus
• High jump
• Javelin
• Long jump
• Shot put
• Triple jump

Classification

Para-athletics is open to athletes with a physical, intellectual or vision impairment. Athletes are required to submit medical reports and meet the minimum impairment criteria in order to compete. Eligibility is determined by trained Classifiers.

We encourage those wishing to explore Para-athletics to contact their state federation in the first instance. The national federation link below provides information on the national high performance program leading to competing internationally and at the Paralympic Games.