Multi-class swimming ensures that all swimmers with a range of physical, visual, and intellectual impairments have the opportunity to race and enjoy swimming like able-bodied athletes. 

Before a multi-class swimmer can start competing on a national and international level, they must complete a process called ‘classification’, which groups athletes according to their impairments and how it impacts their ability to perform in swimming. 

Classification ensures that athletes compete on a level playing field, making the competition fair and allowing athletes to succeed against others with a similar impairment level. 

In this article, we’ll explore how athletes are classified for multi-class swimming and what each specific class entails.

The classification process

The classification process involves thoroughly evaluating an athlete’s impairment and ability to perform on land and in the water. It usually involves multiple steps.

1. Medical Assessment

Qualified medical professionals assess the athlete’s health history and physical condition to determine the type and extent of their impairment.

2. Technical Assessment

Experts such as physios evaluate the athlete’s functional abilities to measure their strength, range of motion, coordination, and other relevant physical attributes.

3. Observation in Competition 

Once the athlete has completed the medical and technical assessment, classifiers then observe the athlete during competition to see how their impairments affect their performance in a real-world setting. 

This helps to ensure the classification the athlete is given for their impairment is accurate and reflects their capabilities and ability to perform in a competitive environment. 

4. Final Classification 

Upon completing the medical and technical assessment and competition aspect of the classification process, the athlete is placed into a class that groups them with other athletes with similar impairments and functional levels. 

Once classified, an athlete’s classification can be reviewed and changed over the years, especially if an athlete’s performance impairments change over time. 

What are the Different Classes? 

Paralympic swimming classes are denoted by a different prefix for different events: 

The classification system has 19 classes, which cater to a wide range of disabilities. Although there are 19 classes, only classes 1 to 14 are eligible to be selected for the Australian Dolphins Swim Team and compete at international events such as the Paralympics.

The lower the number of an athlete’s classification indicates a more severe level of impairment. The classification classes include: