athletics

The competitions for blind athletes are amongst the most spectacular in Paralympic sport and those in which the performances come closest to those of the Olympic athletes. Perhaps to the layperson, blind athletics does not present other modifications than those evident in the races for the B1 athletes, those who cannot perceive light or the form of a hand from any distance. These athletes require greater assistance than those in the B2 and B3 classes who possess a greater degree of acuity and visual capacity. At first sight, the B2 and B3 athletes have no apparent disability. Their movements and coordination are practically perfect, yet they are highly dependent on the light conditions in the stadium. Tunnel vision (where images are perceived as though they were looking through a tube) and peripheral vision (where images are perceived laterally, thus provoking head movements in order to be able to see ahead) are the most common complaints within the wide range of visual impairments and atrophies. The athletes are subjected to a medical classification by doctors appointed by the International Blind Sports Federation in order to designate them, according to their degree of vision and visual acuity, to one category or another. They then compete within this category in all their athletics events, with the exception of the relay races in which all the categories are combined.

Track consists of running short, middle and long distance events which are excellent for quickness, strength and improving the cardiovascular system. The use of guides depends entirely on the athlete's visual classification and the particular event. Guides facilitate the activity by running alongside the visually impaired athlete, both runners holding on to a tether.

Track Events:
100 meter (Male & Female), 4x100m Relay (M&F), 200 meter (M&F), 400 meter (M&F), 800 meter (M&F), 1500 meter (M&F), 3000 meter (F), 5000 meter (M), 10k road race (M&F), Marathons (M&F), Pentathlon (M&F)
Tethers used with guide runners shall be a flexible, nonelastic material not to exceed 50 cm in length.

Field Events:
Discus, Hammer, High Jump, Javelin, Long Jump, Shot Put, Triple Jump.