Wheelchair Racing

On your marks, get set, go! One of the oldest and most distinguished wheelchair sports is racing. Wheelchair racing mirrors your typical track event with a variety of racing events including the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and finally the 10,000m.

Racing has been an Olympic sport since the Games' debut in 776BC, so it's no surprise that when the Paralympics started up in 1960, wheelchair racers were amongst the first to compete.

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In addition to gruelling training and self-determination, specialized racing wheelchairs are a must for this sport. High-tech designs make sure athletes soar to speeds of up to 30 km/h. Sport chairs are designed to be lightweight with precise dimensions and, depending on the sport, custom parts and modifications.

Still, a great racing chair won't win you the race. Proper positioning in your chair can make all the difference. There are 3 different ways you can position yourself in your chair. First, is the kneeling position where the racer kneels on the seat with their feet tucked out the rear of the chair. This is the optimal position, but only suited for those who have greater use of their legs and who are flexible. The second type of positioning involves leaving your feet forward resting on a strap. This type of positioning can work for almost anyone on the track. Finally, for those with an amputation above the knee, an amputee sling will hold you tight to the chair. In addition to a racing chair, you also need a racing helmet and racing gloves.

Athletes with all types of disabilities can compete in wheelchair racing. As with other wheelchair sports, there is a classification system for those who wish to compete. Athlete classifications are determined by the severity of the disability. For example, amputees and spinal cord injuries fall in to one group, whereas athletes who are completely functional from the waist up are in another. Athletes with Cerebral Palsy race under different guidelines and use an independent classification system.

The desire to be number 1 is the driving force behind the track. With the proper training and equipment you really will be off to the races.