The most successful paraclimbers compete in the discipline Lead. Athletes are placed in different categories depending on the type and degree of their disability in order the guarantee the fairest possible competition. Despite their impairment, some athletes climb very challenging routes up to grade 8 on the French scale.
Limb deficiency
Reduced muscle tone
Impaired movement coordination (ataxia)
Involuntary movement (athetosis)
Impaired vision
Reduced muscle strength, e.g. due to a spinal cord injury
Impaired range of joint movement
Leg length difference (at least 20%)
Short stature (<140 cm)
Paraclimbers have at least one of the following disabilities, which also meet the so-called “minimum criteria”.
More information: Paraclimbing IFSC.