Classification is used to ensure a level playing field for competitive para-swimmers and athletes only compete against athletes in the same class at international competitions. At domestic competition athletes will compete alongside their non-disabled peers.
The current para-swimming classification set out by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) uses classes S1-S10 for different levels of physical impairment, S11-S13 for visual impairment and S14 for swimmers with an intellectual impairment. S1-S14 swimmers are the only classes included in the Paralympic Games and the talent and performance pathway sits with Paralympics Ireland.
Learn more about Paralympic Swimming classification
Para Athlete Support Programme
Paralympics Ireland
Paralympics Ireland is the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) for Ireland, recognised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and is responsible for preparing and managing the Irish team at the Paralympic Games which are held every four years in parallel with the Olympic Games.
Classification
Explainer video on how classification works.
