The International Paralympics Committee (IPC) has expanded its classification system to include decimal points in an effort to capture the full spectrum of disabilities.
“We aim to provide a robust system that accurately encapsulates every possible disability and encourages fair competition,” declared the IPC. “The only way to do this is to provide infinite options.”
Beginning with the 2024 Paris Paralympics, the decimal system will create a fair playing field for all contestants.
The previous system failed to adequately individualize every participant. One example is the classification of athletes with short stature. Male athletes under 130 cm and female athletes under 125 cm would compete in T40/F40, whereas male athletes under 145 cm and female athletes under 137 cm would compete in T41/F41.
The new rules create a separate category for each athlete with short stature based on their exact height.
“I feel really positive about the changes,” said 24-year-old cyclist Kylie Ortega, who has mild athetoid cerebral palsy. “I wasn’t comfortable in CP6 last year, but I’m not mild enough for CP7. This year, I’m proud to represent CP6.345623.”
The IPC also announced plans to include Greek letters in classifications in future years, for further specificity.