TOKYO 2020 PARALYMPIC GAMES

TRACK & FIELD

The US track & field team won 16 gold medals, and 42 medals overall, in the 2016 Paralympics at Rio de Janeiro. They finished with the second-most golds and overall medals, trailing only China.

USA AMPUTEE ATHLETES

CLASSIFICATION

There are nearly 40 classifications in track & field, but don’t be overwhelmed: Limb-different athletes will only compete in a small number of classifications in Tokyo. Broadly speaking, the classifications for athletes with limb difference are:

   T46-47: Running and jumping events for upper-limb amputees
   T54: Wheelchair racing
   T61-64: Running and jumping events for lower-limb amputees competing with prostheses

   F45-46: Throwing events for upper-limb amputees
   F55-57: Throwing events for lower-limb amputees, seated
   F61-64: Throwing events for lower-limb amputees, standing with prostheses

Within each category, lower numbers correspond to higher levels of impairment. For example, within the 61 to 64 grouping:

   61 = bilateral above-knee amputation
   62 = bilateral below-knee amputation
   63 = unilateral above-knee amputation
   64 = unilateral below-knee amputation

Some events are restricted to competitors from a single classification. Others are open to athletes from multiple classifications. For example, participants in T44/62/64 events may include unilateral BK amputees, bilateral BK amputees, and fully-limbed competitors with below-knee muscle or neurological impairments.

For detailed information about Track and Field classifications at the Tokyo Games, see the Lexi classification guide. For an overview of Track & Field and a one-minute explainer video, see the Tokyo 2020 Track and Field page.