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Last Updated16 August 2024
New Zealand has a strong history of competing on the world stage in both Paralympic and Special Olympics events, showcasing New Zealand’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence in sports. Your next lesson might be the guests’ first step to representing New Zealand on the world stage.

Competing on an Even Playing Field (Factoring)

The factoring system in Paralympic Winter Alpine Skiing is designed to ensure fair competition among athletes with different types and levels of impairments. This system adjusts athletes’ final times based on their functional ability, making it possible for competitors with varying degrees of physical and visual impairments to compete on an equal footing.

Categories

Athletes in Alpine Skiing at the Paralympics are classified into three main categories:

  • Standing – This category includes individuals with amputations, cerebral palsy, or other conditions affecting one or more limbs.
  • Sitting – Athletes who compete using a sit-ski. This category is for those with spinal cord injuries or similar impairments affecting their lower limbs.
  • Visually Impaired – Athletes with visual impairments, who compete with the assistance of a sighted guide.

Factoring Process

The factoring system works by applying a specific percentage reduction to the raw finish time of each athlete based on their classification. This adjusted time is used to determine the final standings. The factor for each classification is calculated based on extensive statistical analysis of performance data from past competitions.

How It Works

Raw Time Recording
Each athlete completes the course, and their raw time (actual time taken to complete the run) is recorded.
Applying the Factor
A predetermined factor, specific to each classification and impairment type, is applied to the raw time. This factor is a percentage that reflects the relative performance capacity of athletes within that classification.
Adjusted Time Calculation
The raw time is multiplied by the factor to produce the adjusted time. For example, if an athlete’s raw time is 100 seconds and their factor is 0.85, their adjusted time would be 85 seconds.
Comparison of Adjusted Times
Athletes are ranked based on their adjusted times, ensuring that the competition is equitable regardless of the nature or extent of their impairment.

Examples

An athlete with a single leg amputation below the knee (LW2 classification) might have a factor of 0.88. If they complete a race in 120 seconds, their adjusted time would be 105.6 seconds (120 x 0.88).
An athlete using a sit-ski (LW12-1 classification) might have a factor of 0.92. If they complete the race in 130 seconds, their adjusted time would be 119.6 seconds (130 x 0.92).
An athlete with a visual impairment (B2 classification) who finishes in 110 seconds might have a factor of 0.87, resulting in an adjusted time of 95.7 seconds (110 x 0.87).

Importance

The factoring system is crucial for maintaining fairness and competitive integrity in Paralympic Alpine Skiing. By accounting for the varying degrees of functional ability, it ensures that the athlete’s skill, strategy, and performance on the day of the competition are what determine the outcome, rather than the nature of their impairment. This system allows for a diverse group of athletes to compete together, celebrating their athletic achievements on an even playing field.