Para Triathlon
Para debuted at the 2016 Rio Paralymic Games where Canada’s Stefan Daniel celebrated a silver medal and Ontario’s very own tandem of Christine Robbins and guide Sasha Beck (nee Boulton), scored a top 10 finish. Currently on the international front, para triathlon in Ontario is being led by Jessica Tuomela, who has numerous World Cup podiums and a top five finish at the 2022 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Para in Ontario has long since been championed by Ottawa-based coach Michel Elibani and now Sasha Beck (nee Boulton) has moved into the coaching ranks and taken over the mantel as the champion of para in Ontario.
The primary objectives of Triathlon Ontario’s para program is to introduce more Ontario athletes with a disability to triathlon; and develop more Ontario medal winners at the national and international level.
Triathlon Ontario will be offering numerous opportunities for both competitive and recreational para triathletes and coaches by way of clinics, camps, and a club training atmosphere.
If you are interested in joining Ontario’s only sanctioned Para Triathlon club “Paratriathlon Ontario”, contact coach Sasha Beck (nee Boulton) at [email protected].
Classifications
It’s important to note that paratriathletes do not have to be classified in order to compete at provincial races.
Classification is only required once an athlete has been identified for High Performance competition, and this is done by World Triathlon at an international competition.
There are 6 medal events representing sport classes in para triathlon:
- PTWC – Wheelchair users (2 subclasses – PTWC1 & PTWC2)
- PTS2 – Severe impairments*
- PTS3 – Significant impairments*
- PTS4 – Moderate impairments*
- PTS5 – Mild impairments*
- PTVI – Total or partial visual impairments (3 subclasses – PTVI1, PTVI2, & PTVI3)
*athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices for both the bike and run segments
Classification is an in-depth subject. Please refer to Triathlon Canada’s Paratriathlon page here for more information about classification at the international level.
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.