The year 2020 has arrived and with it the Paralympic Games and the paratriathlon, a triathlon variety for disabled athletes to be able to participate. But, do you really know what it is really about? It is a very complete sport, which according to the opinion of its users, it will have you hooked. However, there are yet many people who don’t know this sport or don’t know how to start. For this reason, we encourage you to read this post and discover what a paratriathlon is.
What is a paratriathlon about?
It consists of three combined sport disciplines in which a timer will set the time until the three tests have been finished. The winner will be the person to be the fastest in performing these three tests.
The three tests are 750m open-water swimming, 20km biking and 5km running (both by foot or wheelchair).
This sport includes different sport disciplines in one sole competition and although good physical condition and preparation are required, there are specialized centres to prepare for it.
In addition, since this sport can be performed by people with several physical and sensory impairments, the use of wheelchairs, tricycles, bikes, tandems, handbikes, prostheses and human helpers and guides is allowed in the paratriathlon.
The inclusion of the paratriathlon in the official programme acknowledged the personal overcome and effort of hundreds of paratriathletes who have been practising this sport for years all over the world.
Most of them claim to feel self-fulfilled not only when they overcome the tests but also when they train. It is not about winning or losing. It helps you at setting new challenges and it represents a way of self-improvement; a way to see what we are capable of and then apply it to our daily lives.
As we have already explained in our post “The importance of sport for people with a spinal cord injury”, it is a good way to support a dynamic life style in which the body is trained but at the same time a fun activity is performed. Although the tests to be performed are hard, perseverance, a right mind set and motivation are key factors which will certainly help to achieve them and enjoy them simultaneously.
It is a great opportunity and experience which sport and adventure lovers cannot miss. Paratriathlon will help you improve and overcome yourself. Would you like to try it?
