Can a para triathlete have help during the race?
I · Intermediate · Classes and the start · 2 of 5Vision-impaired athletes race with one guide of the same gender and nation, tethered in the swim and on a tandem; the guide may not pull or push. PTVI1 athletes wear blackout goggles throughout. Wheelchair and some standing athletes may have a handler, who stays near their transition spot and must not propel them. Swim exit helpers assist by cap colour.
How it works
- Guide: same gender and nationality.
- Distance apart: 1.5 m swimming, 0.5 m elsewhere.
- No pulling or pushing: by the guide.
- PTVI1: blackout goggles, then glasses.
- Handler: PTWC, and PTS if classification allows.
- Handler zone: within 2 m of the transition spot.
- Propelling: may mean disqualification.
- Swim exit: red caps lifted, yellow supported.
The glossary has the guide, the personal handler, the swim exit assistants, the blackout goggles, the swim tether and the PTVI1 to PTVI3.
Tricky cases
Can a PTVI athlete have a handler?
No, but the guide may act as one.
Are guide dogs allowed?
No.
A handler pushes the wheelchair forward. Result?
Possible disqualification.
What does a green cap mean?
No help needed at the swim exit.
Why the rule exists
Help lets athletes get through the parts of a race their impairment blocks. Banning propulsion keeps the racing their own.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PTVI | Guide | 17.17a |
| PTWC | Handler | 17.7 |
| Swim exit | Help by cap colour | 17.10 |
From the rule book
World Triathlon, Competition Rules (2026, amendments to 29 April 2026), articles 17.7, 17.10 and 17.17. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Triathlon Competition Rules, Section 17.