About Paratriathlon
Paratriathlon is a category of triathlon (swim, bike, run) for athletes with a physical disability. Athletes may use assistive devices to accommodate different types of impairments such as handcycles, tandems bicycles, racing wheelchairs and prosthetics. Paratriathlon provides an inclusive and competitive race environment for athletes to showcase their endurance, strength, adaptability and talents.
The sport debuted on the international scene at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games where Ontario’s Christine Robbines and guide Sasha Beck achieved a top 10 performance. At the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, Ontario’s Jessica Tuomela and her guide achieved a top 5 performance.
Triathlon Canada’s National program continues to build and grow with our national team athletes being among the top medal winners in the World; Stefan Daniels (PTS5), Leanne Taylor (PTWC), Kamylle Frenette (PTS5). They will all be competing at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Paratriathlon Programming
The primary objectives of Triathlon Ontario’s para program is to introduce more Ontario athletes with a physical impairment to triathlon; and develop more Ontario medal winners at the national and international level.
Triathlon Ontario will be offering numerous opportunities for both recreational and competitive para triathletes and coaches by way of clinics, camps, and a club training atmosphere.
Paratriathlon Clubs
If you are interested in joining Ontario’s only sanctioned Para Triathlon club “Paratriathlon Ontario”, contact coach Sasha Beck (Boulton) at [email protected]. Paratriathlon Ontario is an inclusive club that empowers and creates community with para-athletes across the province. The club offers personalized coaching and comprehensive support which includes equipment procurement assistance and connections with local training facilities.
Classification
Classification Types
Classification is only required once an athlete has been identified high performance competition. Please refer to Triathlon Canada’s Paratriathlon page here for more information about classification.
|
Provincial Classification |
Not Applicable |
|
National Classification |
Not Applicable* *Potential National Classification for 2025 Open Nationals |
|
International Classification |
Required |
Classification Categories
There are six classes in paratriathlon:
- PTWC – Wheelchair users (PTWC1 & PTWC2)
- PTVI – Total or partial visual impairments (PTVI1, PTVI2, & PTVI3)
- PTS2* – Severe impairments
- PTS3* – Significant impairments
- PTS4* – Moderate impairments
- PTS5* – Mild impairments
Equipment for Swim, Bike, Run
|
Class |
Description |
Swim |
Bike |
Run |
|
PTWC |
Wheelchair |
Swim |
Handcycle |
Racing Wheelchair |
|
PTVI |
Visual Impairment |
Swim with Guide |
Tandem with Guide |
Run with Guide |
|
PTS2-5* |
Upper Body Impairment |
Swim |
Bike |
Run |
|
PTS2-5* |
Lower Body Impairment |
Swim |
Bike |
Run |
|
Other |
Other** |
Swim |
Tricycle |
Run |
*Athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices
**Currently not recognized as a paratriathlon class for international racing
2024 Races
Triathlon Ontario has a page dedicated to finding races within your area or desired race month. If you are unsure if the race is appropriate for your equipment (ex. handcycle on a gravel run course), please connect with the local race director – visit Provincial Races below.
Triathlon Canada has also proposed races within each province that are competitive and accessible for paratriathletes – visit National Races below.
Provincial Races
To find races within Ontario for 2024, please visit Races – Triathlon Ontario. Please email the race director to let them know you are a paratriathlete. If you need assistance with procuring equipment or identifying needs for the triathlon, please reach out to Sasha Beck at [email protected] or Jenn Flemke at [email protected]
National Races
Triathlon Canada has identified numerous triathlons within each province that are considered Para Designated Races (PDR).
A Para Designated Race (PDR) is a triathlon or multisport event that has been identified as a race that is or can be accessible for most para-athletes. The aim of having a PDR Calendar is to provide more race opportunities for para-athletes across the country to compete in and provide a pathway for beginner and up-and-coming paratriathletes to race domestically.
For the events list, please visit 2024-Para-Designated-Race-Information_Calendar-ENG-1.pdf (triathloncanada.com). There are many more races across Canada that are not listed but maybe be suitable for athletes wishing to participate in races in their local community. Please reach out to your local race director to inquire on accessibility and ability to race the event.
To inquire more about paratriathlon at the National and International level, please submit a Para Triathlon Expression Of Interest (EOI) form: https://forms.office.com/r/0aJNVgc8yQ
General inquiries can be submitted to: [email protected]
International Races
To participate in world cups or world championships, athletes must be internationally classified to determine which paratriathlon category they will race in. This process is completed through Triathlon Canada and World Triathlon. For more information, visit the links below.
2024 Programming
Upcoming 2024 Events
Upcoming Events:
August 4 2024 KITCan Race (MILTON, ON)
Triathlon Ontario is hosting a KitCAN series race in Milton Ontario with a paratriathlon category. If you are ages 3-11, please register through Milton – KITCAN – Kids In Triathlon Series (kitcanseries.ca) and send an email to [email protected] indicating you are a paratriathlete. If you are > 12 years old, please email [email protected] to register.
August 24 2024 Training Day (MILLGOVE, ON & OTTAWA, ON)
Club Paratriathlon Ontario is hosting two training days on August 24- one in Millgrove and one in Ottawa. Both training days are open to para-athletes whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out. These sessions are designed to help you refine your skills in each discipline (open water swim, bike, run), improve fitness levels and smoothly transition between each discipline. The registration link will be shared shortly and emailed through Triathlon Ontario’s monthly email.
The event is free, but participants must be a 2024 Triathlon Ontario Member. Enjoy a $10 discount off membership when you also join Paratriathlon Ontario at the time of registration. How to join. There will be a separate registration for each day.
For Millgrove, ON Training Day inquires and more information, please contact coach Sasha Beck at [email protected].
For the Ottawa, ON Training Day inquires and more information, please contact coach Jenn Flemke at [email protected].
Past 2024 Events
Past Events
March 2024 Tri-It Day (TORONTO, ON)
Club Paratriathlon Ontario hosted a Tri-It Day within Triathlon Ontario’s provincial program and in partnership with the Canadian Sports Institute of Ontario (CSIO). Athletes in Ontario were able to come out to Toronto to connect with each other, learn about paratriathlon and refine technical skills in swimming and biking.
August 2024 Training Day (MILLGROVE, ON)
Club Paratriathlon Ontario hosted a Training Day within Triathlon Ontario’s provincial program. Athletes came out to Gulliver’s Lake in Millgrove to practice open water swimming and road cycling.
Equipment
We are pleased to announce that club Paratriathlon Ontario has an Eastern and Southwest equipment rental/loaner program. Equipment includes tandems, handcycles and racing wheelchairs.
- Eastern Ontario (Ottawa Region), please contact [email protected]
- Southwestern Ontario (GTA), please contact [email protected]
Finding equipment can be challenging and stressful. Paratriathlon Ontario aims to help facilitate grant applications and procurement for equipment to reduce the stress of starting out or advancing within the sport.
Submit an Expression of Interest
The first point of entry for the Para Triathlon program, regardless of pathway, is completion of the Expression of Interest Questionnaire. This form is used to collect basic information to determine the best route forward for any athlete looking to join the sport and is the mechanism for expressing interest.
