Para triathlon
Para triathlon is triathlon for athletes with an eligible impairment, over the sprint distance at major events. Wheelchair athletes ride a handcycle and run in a racing chair. The swim starts in the water, and fins, paddles and floats are banned.
New to para triathlon? Start here
How long
Sprint distance, with a two-hour limit at major events
Lengths are from the rule book.
The big events, and why they matter
- 1Paralympic Games (para triathlon)The top title in para triathlon.Every 4 years
India
India has no Paralympic medal and is not named in the saved articles [the Paralympic page].
- Para triathlon at the Paralympic Games: No medal; India is not named in the three saved articles
Countries to know
India and the nations that have done best, biggest titles first.
- United StatesPara triathlon at the Paralympic Games: 8 golds, 6 silvers, 3 bronzes (latest 2024)
- Great BritainPara triathlon at the Paralympic Games: 4 golds, 4 silvers, 4 bronzes (latest 2024)
- SpainPara triathlon at the Paralympic Games: 3 golds, 2 silvers, 4 bronzes (latest 2024)
- FrancePara triathlon at the Paralympic Games: 3 golds, 1 silver, 3 bronzes (latest 2024)
- NetherlandsPara triathlon at the Paralympic Games: 3 golds, 1 silver, 2 bronzes (latest 2024)
Who runs it
| Rules made by | World Triathlon, Competition Rules, 2026, Section 17 |
| International federation | World Triathlon |
| In India | The Paralympic Committee of India is on the MYAS list for 2026; which body runs para triathlon in India is not checked |
Searched 2026-10-20; no Indian body for this para sport was found beyond the PCI.
Where and when it is played
In open water, on roads and through a transition area, with a two-hour limit. The big events: the Paralympic Games every four years and the World Triathlon Para Championships every year.