What races and events to target

What races should Para swimmers target?

Like the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games have specific events which are raced.

These events vary between classifications depending on several factors set by World Para Swimming and can change between each Paralympic Games.

These events could be considered targeted races for pinnacle events and form part of gauging where a Para swimmer is at on their pathway. Other events can still be entered and developed as per a coach or club's preference - for example racing a 200m freestyle to work on front end speed for a 400m freestyle (if it were a Paralympic event for the swimmer's classification).

See the table below for relevant Paralympic events/races for each classification - which uses the NZ Opens qualifying times.

What events should Para swimmers target?

One thing to note is that even though a Para swimmer is classified it doesn’t mean they have to compete at only meets with Para specific or multi-classification races. For example if a Para swimmer qualifies under able-bodied times for Division II Championships then they can enter that event, the same goes for NAGS.

Below is some information about upcoming opportunities to race other Para swimmers - in multi-classification racing, where Para swimmer specific medals are awarded. 
 

• Junior Festival – clubs will know exactly what Junior Festival is but what is new is that Para swimmers can enter. To enter, Para swimmers must have a minimum of a provisional classification to enter. However, not every race is open to Para swimmers. This event is one which has Para specific medals presented  – decided by multi-classification racing, which means whichever swimmer is closest to the world record of their classification will win the gold medal. 
• New Zealand Open Championships, Auckland – this event is the domestic pinnacle event for both able-bodied and Para swimmers, held from March 31-April 4. With 2020 being an Olympic/Paralympic year this event will be an exciting one as swimmers aim to put their best foot forward. This event is another which has Para specific medals presented  – again decided by multi-classification racing. Qualifying times for this event are already confirmed, with a change this year being times can be achieved either short course or long course (previously times had to be done in a 50m pool). More information and entry times can be found here.
• New Zealand Secondary School Championships, Hamilton – this event is one which is open to secondary school aged swimmers and held August 20-23. This is one of four national events which have Para specific medals presented – decided by multi-classification racing. Para swimmers can compete at NZ Secondary Schools if a provisional classification or higher is held, there are no qualifying times. More info on this event will be available in due course.
• New Zealand Short Course Championships, Auckland – this is the final national event of the year and usually one which has a lot of competitive racing at it for a range of developing Para swimmers, taking place from October 6-10. This event is another which has Para specific medals presented  – decided by multi-classification racing. There will be qualifying times confirmed for this event later. More information can be found here.