How do you get into wheelchair racing?

How do you get into wheelchair racing?

Wheelchair racing is open to athletes with any qualifying type of disability; amputees, spinal cord disabilities, cerebral palsy and partially sighted (when combined with another disability). Athletes are classified in accordance with the nature and severity of their disability or combinations of disabilities.

How hard is wheelchair racing?

Wheelchair racing is not a sport that can be picked up quickly. It requires a good amount of upper body strength to push the hand-driven wheels, as well as hours of practice to learn proper technique. All parts of the wheelchair must comply with the rules, and no mechanical gears or levers can be used to help.

Are all wheelchair racers disabled?

Wheelchair racing is for anyone who has a qualifying disability. This includes athletes who are amputees, have spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, or even athletes with impaired vision (as long as they also have another disability.) Athletes will be classified based on the severity of their disability.

Where do wheelchair racers legs go?

“The chair has to be designed for where the athlete’s legs fit. They are normally tucked under the chair very tightly for aerodynamic movement. They are almost in a kneeling position.

When did the first disabled athlete won an Olympic medal?

Harold V. US athlete Connolly won the gold medal at the 1956 Olympic Games in hammer throwing which was remarkable as he had Erbs Palsy, which meant his deformed left arm was 4.5 inches shorter than his right arm, and his left hand was two-thirds smaller than his right hand.

How fast do wheelchair athletes go?

The main competitions take place at the Summer Paralympics which wheelchair racing and athletics has been a part of since 1960. Competitors compete in specialized wheelchairs which allow the athletes to reach speeds of 30 km/h (18.6 mph) or more. It is one of the most prominent forms of Paralympic athletics.

What sports can be played in a wheelchair?

Sports that people in wheelchairs can play include some of the following: baseball, basketball, football, hockey, bowling, tennis, table tennis, and racing.

Are wheelchairs faster than runners?

In every Olympic distance of at least 800 meters, the fastest wheelchair athletes outpace the able-bodied. Over shorter distances, a wheelchair is held back by just how slow it is to get out of the proverbial gate. It takes longer to get up to full speed than does a runner who explodes off the blocks.

How fast do wheelchairs go?

The average motorized wheelchair drives up to 4 mph. This means that 4 mph is the maximum speed that may be achieved depending on certain factors. The first factor is the weight of the user. Every power chair has a maximum weight capacity.

What is the Disabled Olympics called?

Paralympic Games
Paralympic Games, major international sports competition for athletes with disabilities. Comparable to the Olympic Games, the Paralympics are split into Winter Games and Summer Games, which alternately occur every two years.

How can I get involved in wheelchair racing?

With wheelchair racing, you’ll be building your muscles and experiencing the freedom and power that come with the sport. A great way to get into the sport is to attend a wheelchair racing event near you, and make an effort to meet some of the racers.

How big do you have to be to race in a wheelchair?

Also, athletes that are over 200 pounds are not recommended to participate in wheelchair racing. Wheelchair racers reach speeds of up to 30 km/h or more in their chairs. This does require some serious effort. According to the rules, no mechanical gears or levers can be used to propel the chair.

How is a racing chair different from a regular wheelchair?

Racing chairs are not like regular wheelchairs. They have two large wheels in the back, and one smaller wheel in the front. You may be able to go fast in your everyday wheelchair, but you will never get up to the same speeds as a sports wheelchair. Beyond that, a racing chair should be custom made to fit your body.

When did draft start making racing wheelchairs?

At Draft we have been manufacturing and supplying racing wheelchairs to some of the worlds leading athletes since 1997, we are happy to advise of a race facility / club near to you. If you decide that wheelchair racing is for you, it’s a good idea to begin practicing with a used chair before you make the investment in a custom model.