Adaptive Athletes
Multisport is for Everyone #
USA Triathlon’s mission is to grow, inspire and support the multisport community and provide resources that empower all members to reach their full potential. Multisport is a sport for everyone, including those with different abilities. Regardless of our differences, everyone should be able to experience the joy of crossing a finish line.
Fill out this Introductory Paratriathlete Questionnaire and contact paratriathlon@usatriathlon.org with any questions or to sign up for our Para Bulletin Newsletter.
Adaptive Divisions#
This section creates two divisions for adaptive athletes to compete in : paratriathlon and adaptive multisport. We acknowledge and honor that paratriathlon is a form of adaptive multisport, and that many adaptive athletes consider themselves paratriathletes and vice versa. This section and these categories will be separated based on the classification system that governs competition in these two categories.
Paratriathlon
ClassificationParatriathlon is governed by USA Paratriathlon rules and classifies athletes using World Triathlon's medical classification system. Elite and international races fall under Paratriathlon.
Adaptive Multisport
Adaptive DivisionsAdaptive multisport is more general and does not require going through the strict classification process. Rules surrounding competition divisions, equipment and assistance are more relaxed in adaptive multisport.
Note: most of USA Triathlon’s adaptive resources are designed for paratriathlon and athletes with visual or mobile impairments. PC Open and Challenged Teams are valued members of the multisport community, and we will work to build resources dedicated to these groups in the future.
Adaptive Multisport 101#
The standard Paralympic event is the sprint distance: a 750m swim, 20 km bike and 5 km run. Age group events may offer distances ranging from super sprint to long course.
While the goal of adaptive multisport - complete the distance - is the same, there are rules modifications that allow adaptive athletes to best navigate the course and transition. USA Triathlon recently put together a webinar that details the adaptive divisions and key rules differences.
Adaptive Specific Equipment#
- Swim goggles
- Bike helmet
- Running shoes
- Race belt
- Bicycle
- Swim tether
- Tandem bike
- Run tether
- Guide (outdoor competitions)
- Bike trainer and treadmill (indoor training)
- Lava pants/wetsuit pants for swim
- Handcycle
- Racing Wheelchair
- Prosthetic
- Prosthetic specific for cycling and running
- Leg braces
Wheelchair Athlete-Specific
Visually Impaired Athlete-Specific
Have a USA Triathlon Certified Race you want to compete in? You can! Contact the event’s race director at least a month prior to race day and discuss any accommodations you may need during the race.
Events for Adaptive Athletes
- Content categorized by:
Events for Adaptive Athletes
Whether it's your local race or the U.S. Paratriathlon National Championships, there's a race that's perfect for you! Learn more about your opportunities to participate in races, camps and more.
Compete Now
Want to Become an Elite Paratriathlete? #
Paratriathletes — chase your Paralympic dreams! USA Triathlon's high performance team is here to support your elite paratriathlon career. With development camps, racing opportunities and structured teams, there are resources available to you as you begin racing on the world's biggest stage.