Wheelchair Track and Field

Wheelchair track and field events have become incredibly popular over the years. They are one of the easiest types of wheelchair related sporting events to actively organize and have been part of the Paralympics since its inception. The events in the wheelchair track and field are typically of the racing variety. These vary between shorter distances like the one hundred meter race and longer distances such as wheelchair marathons.

In professional sporting events and the Paralympics there are many rules and regulations in regards to the exact specifications allowable for a racing wheelchair. A few of these rules are items such as a wheelchair will not be allowed to have its main body higher than fifty centimeters above the ground. In longer distance races (typically eight hundred meters and beyond) the wheelchair must be able to turn both front wheels to the left and right. There are many other rules and restrictions that vary with individual organizations and events.

Wheelchair track and field events are grueling physical activities for the participants. They have to build up extreme levels of strength and endurance to compete actively. The need to develop upper body muscles that can take the place of lower body ones in such a race is difficult and only the most dedicate will become true international superstars. This is not an event for the faint of heart at the professional level. However, there are many semi-professional and local contests for individuals interested in less physically intense challenges while still participating in this sport.