Paralympics Adaptive Cross Country Skiing
Topic: Adaptive Snow Sports
Ian C. Langtree - Content Writer/Editor for Disabled World
Published: 2008/12/22 - Updated: 2023/12/13
Publication Type: Informative
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main - Related
Synopsis: Paralympic cross-country skiing is a sport where upper body training is a must as all of the propulsion is done with shoulder and arm muscles only. One classical technique of skiing is done from the sitting position called sit skiing. These skiers are unable to move out of the parallel tracks and the skier propels the sit-ski along with the specially adapted poles.
Introduction
There are two techniques used in cross-country skiing. Free style and Classic.
Free style skiing is done on the section of track without groomed tracks in the snow. The skier uses a skating motion, pushing off with the edge of the skis. This method allows the skier to make good time on the course and is generally about 8% faster over a distance than the classic method. The skis used are shorter than classical.
Main Digest
One classical technique of skiing is done from the sitting position called sit skiing. These skiers are unable to move out of the parallel tracks and the skier propels the sit-ski along with the specially adapted poles.
Wheels can be attached to the sit-ski so that dry land and gymnasium training can be carried out. Paralympics cross-country skiing is a sport where upper body training is a must. A rigorous training program is required because all of the propulsion is done only with the shoulder and arm muscles.
The competitions are held over short, middle and long distances, from 2.5 to 20 kilometers. The racers start 30 seconds apart.
The International Paralympic Committee makes use of the Nordic Percentage System which is a handicapping system for each category. That handicap time is added to the skiers time. The winner is the one with the lowest calculated time.
In the relay races, each team skier skies one leg of the circuit. The teams are made up from different categories that are balanced out so that each team is even starting out. This eliminates time calculations. The first team across the finish line is the winner.
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): Langtree, I. C. (2008, December 22 - Last revised: 2023, December 13). Paralympics Adaptive Cross Country Skiing. Disabled World. Retrieved September 17, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/sports/snow/cross-country-skiing.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/sports/snow/cross-country-skiing.php">Paralympics Adaptive Cross Country Skiing</a>: Paralympic cross-country skiing is a sport where upper body training is a must as all of the propulsion is done with shoulder and arm muscles only.
Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.