The Science Behind Classification in Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby

Wheelchair rugby is a mixed-gender sport, but not many females play. One way to increase their numbers and playing time is to see if they're classified fairly. We talk to Dr. Thomas Rietveld, research associate in wheeled sports and technology at the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport at the University of Loughborough, who worked with Dr. Vicky Tolfrey on a project for World Wheelchair Rugby to reassess the classification system for female players. 

 

We also talked to Dr. Rietveld about his research on wheelchair tennis, which was part of our episode featuring wheelchair tennis player Charlie Cooper.

 

Learn more about the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport at https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/phc/

Also on this episode, Milan-Cortina 2026 stores have opened (but not the mega store), NBC announced its Opening Ceremonies team, and the neutral athlete program will be back in place.

Team Keep the Flame Alive has had another busy week, so we take a trip to TKFLASTAN to see what's going on (and in Alison's case, have fun with pronunciation).

For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.

 Like this episode? Have thoughts on the show? Comment/write us a review, and you may be our review of the week!

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photo courtesy of Dr. Thomas Rietveld.

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Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT.

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