How do Para sports ensure there is a level playing field between athletes with different impairments

Para sport, like all other sport uses a classification system to structure its competition, ensuring a fair and level playing field. In judo athletes are put in weight classes, in football men and women compete separately, and marathons have age categories. By grouping athletes by size, gender and age, the sport minimises the impact of these on the outcome of competition.

In Para sport, classification relates to the athlete’s impairment. The impact that an impairment has on a given sport (or even discipline) may differ (like age affects performance in chess much differently than in rugby), and therefore each sport has its own sport classes. These are the groups in which an athlete will compete.

How Athletic Do You Have To Be To Do Wheelchair Racing?
Wheelchair racing requires a good bit of athleticism. Racers have to have good upper body strength. And the technique you use to push the racing wheelchair can take a long time to master. Also, athletes that are over 200 pounds are not recommended to participate in wheelchair racing.
Wheelchair racers reach speeds of up to 30 km/h or more in their chairs. This does require some serious effort. According to the rules, no mechanical gears or levers can be used to propel the chair. Only hand-driven wheels comply with the regulations.

Do I have to buy a custom-made racing chair?
The short answer is yes. If you want to borrow a friend’s chair to try it out, then you can. But if you are going to be serious (and safe) about racing, you will need a custom designed chair.
Racing chairs are not like regular wheelchairs. They have two large wheels in the back, and one smaller wheel in the front. You may be able to go fast in your everyday wheelchair, but you will never get up to the same speeds as a sports wheelchair.
Beyond that, a racing chair should be custom made to fit your body. If the chair does not fit you like a glove, you could become uncomfortable, and you will also not perform to the best of your ability. So if you do ever plan on competing, you will want to have a chair custom made for you.