Can para triathletes wear prostheses in the swim?
B · Beginner · Swim, bike and run · 3 of 3The swim starts in the water, classes presented from PTVI1 to PTWC2, with wheelchair athletes entering last. Fins, paddles and floats are banned, and prostheses and orthoses count as propulsion aids, except approved knee braces. Wheelchair athletes may use up to three non-floating leg bindings, 10 cm wide at most. Vision-impaired athletes are tethered to their guide.
How it works
- Start: in the water.
- Order: PTVI1 first, PTWC last into the water.
- Banned: fins, paddles, floats.
- Prostheses: banned in the swim.
- Knee brace: approved a month ahead, 5 mm, no flotation.
- Leg bindings: PTWC, up to three, 10 cm.
- PTVI: tethered to the guide.
- PTVI1: blackout goggles.
The glossary has the swim (para triathlon), the knee brace (PTWC), the swim tether, the blackout goggles, the swim exit assistants and the pre-transition area.
Tricky cases
Can a leg amputee swim with a prosthesis?
No.
Can a binding float?
No.
Must the PTVI guide swim with a tether?
Yes, throughout the swim.
Who checks blackout goggles?
Officials at registration.
Why the rule exists
Prostheses in water could act like fins. Bindings stop trailing legs while giving no lift.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PTWC | Leg bindings | 17.13 |
| PTVI | Tether | 17.17b |
| All | No prostheses | 17.13 |
From the rule book
World Triathlon, Competition Rules (2026, amendments to 29 April 2026), articles 17.11, 17.13 and 17.17. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Triathlon Competition Rules, Section 17.