FUNCTIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARALYMPIC SWIMMERS

Abstract

Swimming competition for persons with a loco-motor disability is organised according to a functional classification system. However, until the Atlanta Paralympic Games, these swimmers had never been the subject of a more extensive race analysis. Information from this analysis, which could be of interest to coaches of able bodied as well as disabled swimmers, has been discussed. In general Paralympic swimmers do not start, turn, or finish their race much different from Olympic swimmers. The relation of stroke rate and length with free swimming speed is also similar. However, some exceptions within specific impairment groups have been found.