LW6/8

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Australian LW6/8 skier Mitchell Gourley competing in the Super G during the second day of the 2012 IPC Nor Am Cup at Copper Mountain, Colorado. Mitchell Gourley competing in the Super G during the second day of the 2012 IPC Nor Am Cup at Copper Mountain (1).jpg
Australian LW6/8 skier Mitchell Gourley competing in the Super G during the second day of the 2012 IPC Nor Am Cup at Copper Mountain, Colorado.

LW6/8 is a para-alpine and para-Nordic standing skiing sport class, a classification defined by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for people with an upper extremity issue who have paralysis, motor paresis affecting one arm, a single upper arm amputation or CP8 classified cerebral palsy. LW6/8 skiers use two skis and one pole in both para-alpine and para-Nordic skiing.

Contents

Skiers in this class include 2006 New Zealand Winter Paralympian Anthony Field, Germany's Thomas Oelsner and Australia's Mitchell Gourley.

Definition

LW6/8 Belarusian cross-country skier Larysa Varona at the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games in Whistler Olympic Park, British Columbia Paralympic XC ski one-arm.JPG
LW6/8 Belarusian cross-country skier Larysa Varona at the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games in Whistler Olympic Park, British Columbia

This classification is used in para-alpine and para-Nordic standing skiing, [1] where LW stands for Locomotor Winter. [2] Designed for people with an upper extremity issue, [1] [3] a skier may be classified as LW6/8 if they have paralysis, motor paresis affecting one arm, or a single upper arm amputation. [4]

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) defined this classification for para-alpine as "Competitors with disabilities in one upper limb, skiing with two normal skis and one pole ... "The disability shall be such that the functional use of more than one pole is not possible. Typical disability profile of the class is single-arm amputation." [5] In 2002, the Australian Paralympic Committee described this classification as a standing skiing classification with "Two skis, one pole, disability in one arm or hand." [6] For para-Nordic skiing, the IPC defines this class as for "those with impairment in one entire limb." [4]

For international para-alpine skiing competitions, classification is done through IPC Alpine Skiing. A national federation such as Alpine Canada handles classification for domestic competitions. [7] For para-Nordic skiing events, classification is handled by IPC Nordic Skiing Technical Committee on the international level and by the national sports federation such as Cross-Country Canada on a country by country level. [8] [9] When being assessed into this classification, a number of things are considered including reviewing the skiers medical history and medical information on the skier's disability, having a physical and an in person assessment of the skier training or competing. [10]

LW6

LW6 is used in para-Nordic skiing for skiers with above the elbow amputations for paralysis affecting the whole arm. [4] Cross Country Canada described LW6 as "Impairment in one entire upper limb. The athlete must not use a prosthesis." in 2012. [11]

LW8

LW8 is for skiers with below the elbow amputations or lacking functional use below the elbow. [4] Cross Country Canada described LW8 as "Impairment in one upper limb below the elbow. The athlete must not use a prosthesis or use the affected arm to aid in poling in any way." [11]

Equipment and technique

LW6/8-2 classified French skier Marie Bochet in action at the IPC Alpine World Championships in 2013

LW6/8 skiers use two skis and one pole in both para-alpine and para-Nordic skiing. [1] [11] The two types of skiing differ in that in para-Nordic a skier cannot use a prosthesis [4] while use prostheses or orthoses are allowed in para-alpine. [5] FIS rules for ski boots and binding heights are followed for this class. [12] Socks and other materials are used to pad and protect the stump of the arm as the use of a prosthesis is not allowed. Sometimes, a mitten or cork is used to protect the stump. If the limb is not properly protected, it may get frostbitten. [11] [13]

Lateral balance is an issue for LW6/8 skiers resulting from the missing arm, so skiing techniques are worked on by the skier to correct this. [13] One technique used compensates for balance issues by using knee drives or hip motions. [14] Unlike other para-alpine disciplines, in slalom skiers are more likely to use a partial ski pole or a prosthetic to hold a ski pole. [15]

In the Biathlon, all Paralympic athletes shoot from a prone position. Athletes with amputations can use a rifle support while shooting. [16]

Sport

A factoring system is used in the sport to allow different classes to compete against each other when there are too few individual competitors in one class in a competition. The factoring system works by having a number for each class based on their functional mobility or vision levels, where the results are calculated by multiplying the finish time by the factored number. The resulting number is the one used to determine the winner in events where the factor system is used. [17]

In para-Nordic skiing, which includes the cross-country skiing and biathlon events, this classification is grouped with other standing classes. [18] For the 2003/2004 para-Nordic skiing season, the percentage for LW6 using the classic technique was 91% and percentage for free was 96%, and for LW8 using the classic technique was 92% and percentage for free was 97%. [19] The percentage for the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 ski seasons was 92% for classic and 97% for free. [20] The percentage for LW6 the 2012/2013 par-Nordic ski season was 91% for classic and 96% for free, and for LW8 was 92% for classic and 97% for free. [11]

In para-alpine skiing events, this classification is grouped with standing classes, who are seeded to start after visually impaired classes and before sitting classes in the slalom and giant slalom. In downhill, super-G and super combined, this same group competes after the visually impaired classes and sitting classes. [21] For alpine events, a skier is required to have their ski poles or equivalent equipment planted in the snow in front of the starting position before the start of the race. [21] The IPC advises event organisers to run the men's standing ski group after the blind men's group and before the blind women's group. Women's standing classes are advised to go last. [18] During the 2005/2006 para-alpine ski season, the giant slalom had a factor of 1.000. [22] The 2011/2012 alpine-skiing season factoring for LW6/8.1 was 0.9902 for Slalom, 0.995 for giant slalom, 0.9969 for super-G and 0.998 for downhill, and for LW6/8.2 was 0.9926 for slalom, 1 for giant slalom, 1 for super-G and 1 for downhill. [23]

If a skier in this class has an arm that is not functional, the rules require the limb be strapped to their body during competition. [4] For Nordic events, LW8 skiers are not allowed to use the stump of their arm for paddling or to help in poling. [4] In the biathlon, the skier is required to make sure "that the rifle touches the support in between the marked zone (5cm in front of / behind the balance point)." [24] If a skier has partial use of their other arm or hand, the rules do not allow them to use it to site or support the rifle. The skier is not permitted to move the support from its upright position. [24]

Events

At the 1984 Winter Olympics Exhibition Competition, 1986 World Disabled Ski Championships, 1988 World Winter Games for the Disabled, 1990 Disabled Alpine World Championships and 2002 Winter Paralympics, disciplines included on the programme were downhill and giant slalom and LW6/8 skiers were not grouped with others classes for medal events for men. [25] At the 1998 Winter Paralympics, the women's LW1, LW3, LW4, LW5 and LW6 classes competed in one group. [25] [26] At the 2004 IPC Alpine World Championships, LW3, LW6/8 and LW9 classified women all skied in the same group against each other during the downhill event. [27] At the 2005 IPC Nordic Skiing World Championships, this class was grouped with other standing skiing classifications. In cross country, this class was eligible to compete in the men and women's 5 km, 10 km and 20 km individual race. [28] In the men and women's biathlon, this classification was again grouped with standing classes in the 7.5 km race with two shooting stages, and the 12.5 km race, which had four shooting stages. [29] At the 2009 IPC Alpine World Championships, there were four women and nine men from this class in the standing downhill event. [30]

Competitors

Paralympic skiers in this class include 2006 New Zealand's Anthony Field, [25] Germany's Thomas Oelsner, [31] and Australia's Mitchell Gourley. [32]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Para-alpine skiing</span> Skiing for people with disabilities

Paralympic alpine skiing is an adaptation of alpine skiing for athletes with a disability. The sport evolved from the efforts of disabled veterans in Germany and Austria during and after the Second World War. The sport is governed by the International Paralympic Committee Sports Committee. The primary equipment used includes outrigger skis, sit-skis, and mono-skis. Para-alpine skiing disciplines include the downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom, super combined, and snowboard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Winter Paralympic Games</span> International multi-sport event for disabled athletes

The Winter Paralympic Games is an international multi-sport event where athletes with physical disabilities compete in snow and ice sports. The event includes athletes with mobility impairments, amputations, blindness, and cerebral palsy. The Winter Paralympic Games are held every four years directly following the Winter Olympic Games and hosted in the same city. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) oversees the Games. Medals are awarded in each event: with gold for first place, silver for second, and bronze for third, following the tradition that the Olympic Games began in 1904.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpine skiing at the 2002 Winter Paralympics</span>

Alpine skiing at the 2002 Winter Paralympics consisted of 53 events, 34 for men and 19 for women which all took place at the Snowbasin Ski Area.

The Women's Downhill competition of the Innsbruck 1984 Paralympics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships</span>

The 2011 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships was held in Sestriere, Italy, from January 14 to 23, 2011. IPC stands for International Paralympic Committee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 IPC Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing World Championships</span>

The 2011 IPC Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing World Championships took place from 2–11 April 2011 in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. IPC stands for International Paralympic Committee. This was the first time these championships were hosted in Russia, and the first time the championships were hosted in the same city as the IBU Biathlon World Championships which was held in Khanty-Mansiysk from March 3 to March 13, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australia at the 1988 Winter Paralympics</span> Sporting event delegation

Australia sent a delegation to compete at the 1988 Winter Paralympics in Innsbruck, Austria, which was held between 17–24 January 1988. This marked the nation's fourth appearance at the Winter Paralympics. The delegation sent a group of five alpine skiers as they wouldn't get a medal in these games.

Para-alpine skiing classification is the classification system for para-alpine skiing designed to ensure fair competition between alpine skiers with different types of disabilities. The classifications are grouped into three general disability types: standing, blind and sitting. Classification governance is handled by International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing. Prior to that, several sport governing bodies dealt with classification including the International Sports Organization for the Disabled (ISOD), International Stoke Mandeville Games Federation (ISMWSF), International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) and Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CP-ISRA). Some classification systems are governed by bodies other than International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing, such as the Special Olympics. The sport is open to all competitors with a visual or physical disability. It is not open to people with intellectual disabilities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Para-Nordic skiing classification</span>

Para-Nordic skiing classification is the classification system for para-Nordic skiing which includes the biathlon and cross-country events. The classifications for Para-Nordic skiing mirrors the classifications for Para-Alpine skiing with some exceptions. A functional mobility and medical classification is in use, with skiers being divided into three groups: standing skiers, sit skiers and visually impaired skiers. International classification is governed by International Paralympic Committee, Nordic Skiing (IPC-NS). Other classification is handled by national bodies. Before the IPC-NS took over classification, a number of organizations handled classification based on the type of disability.

LW12 is a para-alpine and para-Nordic sit skiing sport class defined by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). An LW12 skier needs to meet a minimum of one of several conditions including a single below knee but above ankle amputation, monoplegia that exhibits similar to below knee amputation, legs of different length where there is at least a 7 centimetres difference, combined muscle strength in the lower extremities less than 71. For international competitions, classification is done through IPC Alpine Skiing or IPC Nordic Skiing. For sub-international competitions, classification is done by a national federation such as Alpine Canada. For para-alpine, this class is subdivided into two subclasses.: LW12.1 and LW12.2. A new sit-skier competitor with only national classification will compete as LW12.2 in international competitions until they have been internationally classified.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LW11</span>

LW11 is a para-alpine and para-Nordic sit skiing sport class, a classification defined by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC for people with paralysis in the lower extremities and people with cerebral palsy that affects the lower half of the body. Outside of skiing, the competitor in this class is unable to walk. For international competitions, classification is done through IPC Alpine Skiing or IPC Nordic Skiing. For sub-international competitions, classification is done by a national federation such as Alpine Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LW10</span> Sit-skiing classification for disabled skiers

LW10 is a para-alpine and para-Nordic sit-skiing classification for skiers who cannot sit up without support. For international skiing competitions, classification is conducted by IPC Alpine Skiing and IPC Nordic Skiing, while national federations such as Alpine Canada handle classification for domestic competitions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LW1 (classification)</span>

LW1 is a para-alpine standing skiing classification for people with severe lower extreme disabilities in both extremities. It includes both skiers with amputations and cerebral palsy. International classification is done through IPC Alpine Skiing, and national classification through local national sport federations. LW1 classified skiers use outriggers, and two skis or one ski with a prosthesis. Other equipment is used during training such as ski-tips, ski-bras, and short skis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LW2 (classification)</span>

LW2 is a para-alpine and para-Nordic standing ski sport class defined by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Competitors in this class have severe disability in a lower limb, which may be a result of an amputation, or arthrodesis in the leg and hip. Depending on the type of skiing, the international classification process for LW2 skiers is handled by the IPC Alpine Skiing Technical Committee and IPC Nordic Skiing Technical Committee. National sport federations handle classification on the lower levels.

LW3 is a para-alpine and para-Nordic standing skiing sport class defined by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for skiers with a disability affecting both legs, with double below knee amputation or a combined strength total for both legs of 60, with 80 as the baseline for people without disabilities. For international skiing competitions, classification is done through IPC Alpine Skiing or IPC Nordic Skiing. The classification has two subclasses for para-alpine skiing: LW3.1 which is for people with double below the knee amputations or similar disabilities, and LW3.2 which is for people with cerebral palsy that involves moderate athetoid, moderate ataxic impairment or slight diplegic involvement.

LW4 is a para-alpine and para-Nordic standing skiing sport class defined by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for skiers who may have a disability in one lower extremity, which may be a result of a leg amputation below the knee, knee arthrodesis or a hip arthrodesis. For international skiing competitions, classification is done through IPC Alpine Skiing or IPC Nordic Skiing. A national federation such as Alpine Canada handles classification for domestic competitions.

LW5/7 is a standing para-alpine and para-Nordic skiing classification for skiers with upper extremity issues in both limbs that may include double amputation of both arms and hands or dysmelia of the upper limbs. The class has three subclasses defined by the location of the disability on the upper extremities. International classification is done by IPC Alpine Skiing and IPC Nordic Skiing. On the national level, classification is handled by national sports federation such as Cross-Country Canada.

LW9 is a para-alpine and para-Nordic standing skiing sport class, a classification defined by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for people with upper and lower limb function problems, and includes cerebral palsy skiers classified CP5, CP6 and CP7, along with people with hemiplegia or amputations. For international skiing competitions, classification is done through IPC Alpine Skiing or IPC Nordic Skiing. A national federation such as Alpine Canada handles classification for domestic competitions. This classification is separated into two subclasses including LW9.1 and LW9.2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships</span>

The 2015 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships was an international disability sport alpine skiing event held in Panorama Mountain Village, British Columbia, Canada from March 2 to 10, 2015. The Championship is held biannually by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and is the largest event of its type outside the Winter Paralympics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships</span>

The 2013 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships was an international disability sport alpine skiing event held in La Molina ski resort in Spain from 18 to 27 February 2013. The Championship is held biannually by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and is the largest event of its type outside the Winter Paralympics.

References

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  2. ↑ Alpine Skiing Technical Manual. Salt Lake City, Utah: Salt Lake Organizing Committee. 2002. p. 11. Archived from the original on 8 March 2016. Retrieved 9 March 2013. This is included as an appendix in the media guide, but it is not published by the APC.
  3. ↑ United Insurance Group (2005). "2005 IPC Nordic Skiing World Championships UIG Teacher's Guide" (PDF). Fort Kent, Maine: United Insurance Group. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-12. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 IPC Nordic Skiing (28 March 2011). "IPC Nordic Skiing Classification Rules and Regulations" (PDF). Bonn, Germany: IPC Nordic Skiing. pp. 27–28.
  5. 1 2 Alpine Skiing Technical Manual. Salt Lake City, Utah: Salt Lake Organizing Committee. 2002. p. 25. Archived from the original on 8 March 2016. Retrieved 9 March 2013. This is included as an appendix in the media guide, but it is not published by the APC.
  6. ↑ Australian team media guide : 2002 Salt Lake City Paralympic Games, March 7-16, 2002. Australia: Australian Paralympic Committee. 2002. 27972. Archived from the original on 8 March 2016. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
  7. ↑ "PARA-ALPINE RACES: Calculating Race Results for Athletes who have not been Internationally Classified" (PDF). Calgary, Alberta: Alpine Canada. June 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-02-13. Retrieved 8 March 2013.
  8. ↑ "Biathlon". Canadian Paralympic Committee. Archived from the original on 24 March 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  9. ↑ IPC Nordic Skiing (28 March 2011). "IPC Nordic Skiing Classification Rules and Regulations" (PDF). Bonn, Germany: IPC Nordic Skiing. p. 1.
  10. ↑ International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing (28 September 2011). "IPC Alpine Skiing Classification Handbook" (PDF). Bonn, Germany: International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing. p. 29. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 October 2012.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 "Para-Nordic Classification Summary Chart" (pdf). Canada: Cross Country Canada. 2012. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  12. ↑ "FIS – Rule Book Alpine Skiing for the Disabled 2005/2009 General In addition to the FIS – Alpine – ICR" (PDF). Slovenia: FIS-Congress Portoroz (SLO) 2002. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  13. 1 2 O'Leary, Hal; Meinig, Mary M. (1987). Bold tracks : skiing for the disabled. Evergreen, Colorado: Cordillera Press. p. 42. ISBN   9780917895227. OCLC   17230990.
  14. ↑ Canadian Ski Coaches Federation; National Coaching Certification Program (2005). "Alpine Ski Racing Athletes with a Disability Technical Considerations" (PDF). Canada: Canadian Ski Coaches Federation. p. 12. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  15. ↑ Canadian Ski Coaches Federation; National Coaching Certification Program (2005). "Alpine Ski Racing Athletes with a Disability Technical Considerations" (PDF). Canada: Canadian Ski Coaches Federation. p. 10. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  16. ↑ "Biathlon". Organizing Committee of the XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games 2014 in Sochi. Archived from the original on 16 February 2010. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  17. ↑ Goldman, Judy (2010). "02 Games History and Facts". Australian Paralympic Committee : media guide Vancouver 2010, 12-21 March (PDF). Sydney, Australia: Australian Paralympic Committee. p. 25. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-18. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  18. 1 2 International Paralympic Committee (2007). "IPC Nordic Skiing Biathlon & Cross-Country Skiing Rulebook". Bonn, Germany: International Paralympic Committee. p. 3.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  19. ↑ United Insurance Group (2005). "2005 IPC Nordic Skiing World Championships UIG Teacher's Guide" (PDF). Fort Kent, Maine: United Insurance Group. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-12. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  20. ↑ IPC Nordic Skiing (2008). "IPC Nordic Skiing Percentages Seasons 2008-2010" (PDF). Bonn, Germany: IPC Nordic Skiing. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  21. 1 2 "Alpine Disabled Skiing". National Capital Area, Alpine Ontario. Archived from the original on 15 February 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  22. ↑ Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games Media Guide (PDF). Sydney: Australian Paralympic Committee. 2006. pp. 29–30. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-10-25. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  23. ↑ IPC Alpine Skiing (10 October 2012). "IPCAS - Factor List, IPCAS Handicap System, Season 2011-2012" (PDF). Bonn, Germany: IPC Alpine Skiing. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-02-06. Retrieved 2012-10-10.
  24. 1 2 IPC Nordic Skiing (11 January 2011). "IPC Nordic Skiing Rules 2011-12 Changes, clarification, adjustments". Bonn, Germany: IPC Nordic Skiing.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  25. 1 2 3 "History of the New Zealand Disabled Ski Team". New Zealand: Snow Sports New Zealand. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  26. ↑ "Alpine skiing | Salt Lake 2002". Salt Lake City, Utah: Salt Lake City 2002. 14 March 2002. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  27. ↑ International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing (2004). "Alpine Skiing World Championships Wildschonau Offizielle Ergebnisliste" (PDF). International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  28. ↑ United Insurance Group (2005). "2005 IPC Nordic Skiing World Championships UIG Teacher's Guide" (PDF). Fort Kent, Maine: United Insurance Group. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-12. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  29. ↑ United Insurance Group (2005). "2005 IPC Nordic Skiing World Championships UIG Teacher's Guide" (PDF). Fort Kent, Maine: United Insurance Group. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-12. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  30. ↑ "2009 IPC Alpine Skiing - World Championship - Official Results - Downhill" (PDF). Bonn, Germany: International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing. 2009. Retrieved 8 March 2013.
  31. ↑ "IPC Historical Results Database - Thomas Oelsner". International Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  32. ↑ "Mitchell Gourley". Australian Paralympic Committee Athlete Profile. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
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