Wheelchair Racing

Among the oldest wheelchair sport is racing and has been distinguished as one of the contest in the Paralympics since 1960. Wheelchair racing is much like the track events in the Olympic Games with 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and even a 10,000m.

Like any other sports, the athletes for wheelchair arcing needs to undergo a grueling training and extraordinary determination to be able to compete actively in spite their disability.

There are hi-tech wheelchairs available today that would easily enable the users to race at the amazing speed of 30 kilometers per hour. These contraptions are specifically designed for wheelchair racingare a lightweight with custom parts and dimensions.

However, experts claim that even if you have the best wheelchair, it can’t guarantee you to win the game. The athlete’s body positing plays a very important factor in any wheelchair racing.

There are actually three highly recommended body positions in wheelchair racing. The first one would be the kneeling position where the athlete will kneel on the set of the wheelchair with their feet neatly tucked on the rear to their chair.

This position provides optimum movement but is more suited for athletes who are flexible and little debility of their feet. The second positioning involves allowing the feet to rest on the strap of the wheelchair.

This is known to be highly suitable for any body type or extent of incapability on the track. The final position would be the more suitable for people who were amputated. The use of amputee sling will hold the athlete snugly in place while allowing maximum body movement.

Anyone with a leg disability can compete in a wheelchair racing game. However, in the interest of being fair, contestants are categorized in certain groups, which would largely depend on the severity of the leg injury or incapacity.

Individuals who have suffered in some spinal cord injuries and amputees fall into category; athletes with fully functional upper body are also a different group as well as people with cerebral palsy.

The latter have different guidelines to follow and an entirely separate classification system. However, in any race, whether for disabled people or not, the main desire is to win and being hailed number one.

So like any other competition, training and determination are the main ingredients of wheelchair racing. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt if you are equipped with the latest innovation technology can offer.