T42 (classification)

T42 is disability sport classification for disability athletics, applying to athletes with "Single above knee amputation (or combined arm/leg amputation) or similar disability."

Sport

This classification is for disability athletics. This classification is one of several classifications for athletes with ambulant related disabilities. Similar classifications are T40, T42, T43, T44, T45 and T46. Jane Buckley, writing for the Sporting Wheelies, describes the athletes in this classification as: "Single above knee amputation (or combined arm/leg amputation) or similar disability." The International Paralympic Committee defined this class in 20122 as: "Single above knee amputees and athletes with other impairments that are comparable to a single above knee amputation. This includes athletes with loss of muscle power in the lower limbs consistent with Class F57 or F58 class." The International Paralympic Committee defined this classification on their website in July 2016 as, "(Lower limb affected by limb deficiency, leg length difference, impaired muscle power or impaired range of movement)".

• 
  Colour guide for understanding fully body diagrams
• 
  Disability type for some T42 classified competitors

History

The classification was created by the International Paralympic Committee and has roots in a 2003 attempt to address "the overall objective to support and co-ordinate the ongoing development of accurate, reliable, consistent and credible sport focused classification systems and their implementation."

For the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio, the International Paralympic Committee had a zero classification at the Games policy. This policy was put into place in 2014, with the goal of avoiding last minute changes in classes that would negatively impact athlete training preparations. All competitors needed to be internationally classified with their classification status confirmed prior to the Games, with exceptions to this policy being dealt with on a case by case basis. In case there was a need for classification or reclassification at the Games despite best efforts otherwise, athletics classification was scheduled for September 4 and September 5 at Olympic Stadium. For sportspeople with physical or intellectual disabilities going through classification or reclassification in Rio, their in competition observation event is their first appearance in competition at the Games.

Becoming classified

Competitors seeking to compete in para-athletics first need to be classified. Athletes undergo a medical examination and are asked to demonstrate their skills in athletics, such as running, jumping or throwing. A determination is then made as to what classification an athlete should compete in. Classifications may be Confirmed or Review status. For athletes who do not have access to a full classification panel, Provisional classification is available; this is a temporary Review classification, considered an indication of class only, and generally used only in lower levels of competition.

Competitors

T42 competitor Scott Reardon turns around on the track at AIS

Notable current competitors in this class include Kelly Cartwright, Scott Reardon, Heinrich Popow, Earle Connor, Wojtek Czyz and Martina Caironi.

Double above knee amputee Richard Whitehead also runs in the T42 classification. At the London Paralympics he won the 200 metre event in T42 world record time. He also holds T42 world records in the 400 metre, half marathon and marathon distances.

See also

• Para-athletics classification
• Athletics at the Summer Paralympics
• Athletics at the 2008 Summer Paralympics – Men's 100 metres T42