By Adelaide E.
With the Closing Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics, most people’s Olympic Fever has died down. But have no fear – the Paralympics continue from March 8th to 18th. The Paralympics – which arguably showcase more ability and determination than the Olympics – are where the most talented physically disabled athletes from around the world gather to compete in six different winter sports. The sports are altered from their normal rules so every athlete has a fair chance to compete. Little is known about the Winter Paralympics, so without further ado, I present Your Guide To Winter Olympic Sports – Paralympic Edition.
Alpine Skiing:
Para-Alpine Skiing in the Paralympics includes the Giant Slalom and Slalom disciplines. Because of the wide range of disabilities the skiers have, the event is classified in three different ways – standing, sitting, and visually impaired. Athletes with leg amputations, arm amputations, cerebral palsy, or muscle weakness equivalent to an amputation all compete in this category. Their disability determines the type of ski equipment they use. Any combination of one or two skis, and one, two or no poles are equipped. Athletes with above the knee leg amputations or severe cerebral palsy use outriggers – ski poles that act as crutches to allow the skiers to balance and steer fairly. Paraplegic athletes or certain double leg amputees participate in the sitting category, using a monoski – a single ski with a chair attached – and outriggers. The final category, visually impaired, uses standard equipment. However, each skier has a guide that either follows or precedes them, giving verbal instructions and directions. The athlete must have complete trust in their guide, knowing their wellbeing is in the hands of their guide.
Biathlon:
The biathlon uses the same rules as its standard form in the Olympics, and the same classifications and equipment used in the other Paralympic skiing events. The main difference between the Para-Biathlon and the Biathlon is the athletes shoot only from one position, instead of both standing and sitting. But how does the visually impaired section of the biathlon work? The athletes ski with a guide, and when it comes time to shoot, they’re handed their gun and a pair of headphones. However, instead of real bullets, the gun emits a laser. When they point the gun at the target, a noise rings in their headphones. The noise gets higher in pitch the closer they are to hitting the target. After they’ve shot, a different noise indicates whether they have hit or missed the target.
Sled Hockey
Similar to the rules of standard hockey, sled hockey is a dangerous yet exciting game. The requirements for players is that they are unable to play regular, stand up hockey on their own – whether it be from amputations, paralyzation, or other causes. Instead of wearing skates, each athlete is seated and strapped in a sled. The players wield two sticks between two and three feet in length, which are used to propel themselves forward as well as to handle, shoot, and pass the puck. Because of its intense gameplay, sled hockey remains as one of the most popular Paralympic sports.
Wheelchair Curling
Wheelchair curling is a mixed team event, open to those who require a wheelchair for daily mobility – those with spinal cord injuries, double leg amputations, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy are open to competing. Because of the logistics of moving across the ice in a wheelchair, there is no sweeping. Not only does this mean the athletes must be completely accurate with their shots, but they have the launch them with more force than regular curlers. The athletes can either lean over the side of the wheelchair to launch the rock, or use a delivery stick that hooks onto the handle of the rock. To attain maximum force when shooting, the athletes go behind the launcher, grab onto their wheelchair and push them forward as a team. As one of the most unexpected Paralympic sports, wheelchair curling captivates and intrigues the entire audience, both curling veterans and novices.
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