# Paralympics 2024 - Paris - discussion and viewing thread **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** basketball-nba, olympic-sports-track, rugby\ **Created:** [August 29, 2024, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427 "2024-08-29T18:21:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2024, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/1 "2024-08-29T18:21:58Z")
Watching today as events are underway. USA opened with a win in basketball and I’m about to watch the rugby match that has actually already happened and I missed. I’m not sure all the rules for para-rugby. Looks more like American football in this version and it is pretty hard to stop guys from getting to the endzone. Ramming is allowed, but I take it tipping chairs intentionally is not since I don’t see people falling out of chairs too often. Anyway, it’s Paralympic time and we can discuss here! ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2024, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/2 "2024-08-29T20:20:13Z")
I saw a bit of the swimming. In one of the freestyle swimming events, one of the competitors swam on his back. Does “freestyle” mean anything goes; could you do a breast stroke with your arms, and a flutter kick? ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2024, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/3 "2024-08-29T23:29:07Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I saw a bit of the swimming. In one of the freestyle swimming events, one of the competitors swam on his back. Does “freestyle” mean anything goes; could you do a breast stroke with your arms, and a flutter kick?. I think so. ---
**Author:** ![Wallaby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/dc4da7/32.png) [@Wallaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wallaby)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2024, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/4 "2024-08-30T04:46:09Z")
Freestyle means exactly what it says. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2024, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/5 "2024-08-30T05:38:44Z")
Yes, freestyle is any style you like. The only reason every competitive able bodied swimmer does the front crawl is because it’s the fastest stroke. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2024, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/6 "2024-08-30T06:56:26Z")
I saw a bit about _murderball_. The para-rugby. That seemed very exciting. I’d love to see more. (Not that I even understand the rules of rugby) ---
**Author:** ![Edward\_The\_Head](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ce73a5/32.png) [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2024, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/7 "2024-08-30T11:17:32Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > Does “freestyle” mean anything goes; could you do a breast stroke with your arms, and a flutter kick? Yes and no. During freestyle you can swim any way you want, except in the freestyle during the individual Medley where you can not swim one of the other three strokes. There’s some debate on if you could do breast stroke kick or pull and use different arm pull or kick. You can’t kick on your back on a turn. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2024, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/8 "2024-08-30T12:23:35Z")
> [@Edward\_The\_Head](#): > > Yes and no. During freestyle you can swim any way you want, except in the freestyle during the individual Medley where you can not swim one of the other three strokes. There’s some debate on if you could do breast stroke kick or pull and use different arm pull or kick. You can’t kick on your back on a turn. Interesting. Is there an individual medley in paralympic swimming? ---
**Author:** ![Edward\_The\_Head](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ce73a5/32.png) [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2024, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/9 "2024-08-30T12:34:46Z")
I wouldn’t be surprised if there is, but I haven’t actually watched yet. There are a lot of different Paralympics categories so there may be some categories that do have an IM. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2024, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/10 "2024-08-30T14:33:17Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I saw a bit about _murderball_. Oh, is para-rugby murderball? Note: It was actually not that interesting. Again, I think they are not allowed to actively push on guys too hard, like knocking chairs over. I completely get why; not all share equal disabilities and it isn’t a good look to see a bunch of disabled guys crawling around, scrambling back to their chairs. In the end, though, it was kind of like handball with a larger ball, chairs, and getting ones self to the endzones instead of shooting a goal. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2024, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/11 "2024-08-30T14:44:43Z")
China is defeating USA in sitting volleyball. I noticed the possibility that each team has one non-disabled person on their team. I know not all disabilities are visible, but each team had one girl stand up, walk between points. Both feet, both hands, arms, etc. Only one on each side. Might be some kind of rule allowance to allow a non-disabled person, who sits during the match, on each team. ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2024, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/12 "2024-08-30T16:14:53Z")
Hope y’all will overlook a couple really stupid questions: Are the athletes in the Paralympics sorted into, well, classes based on just how disabled they are? Would a runner who had had one foot amputated be racing against someone who had had an above the knee amputation? Second, is there a set standard for just how handicapped you must be to be able to compete? For example, being deaf is considered a handicap, but would it really affect an archer or pole vaulter all that much? ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2024, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/13 "2024-08-30T17:44:44Z")
This link goes into it and there definitely are classifications that vary based on event. > **[How does the Paralympic classification system work?](https://www.wdsu.com/article/paralympic-classification-system-paris/61987111)** > > To fully understand what each competition involves at the Paralympic Games, here’s everything you need to know about the Paralympic classification system. ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2024, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/14 "2024-08-30T18:30:01Z")
Very interesting, thanks! ---
**Author:** ![That\_Don\_Guy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/that_don_guy/32/538_2.png) [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2024, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/15 "2024-08-31T03:13:41Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > This link goes into it and there definitely are classifications that vary based on event. > > [How does the Paralympic classification system work?](https://www.wdsu.com/article/paralympic-classification-system-paris/61987111) Here is one with links to each sport’s specific system > **[Classification by sport](https://www.paralympic.org/classification-by-sport)** > > Classification is sport specific. This is because different Eligible Impairments may have a unique impact on the activities required for each sport. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2024, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/16 "2024-09-01T21:26:39Z")
Been following Mat Stutzman for years, as I show a video about him to my class when we discuss overcoming physical changes or challenges. He holds the record, able-bodied or disabled, for longest bull’s eye in archery. And finally, after three(I think) previous attempts, he WON THE GOLD in archery. Shoots with no arms, using his foot and shoulder/neck to hold the string and bow. Here is the moment: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/2DnIacog8Xs/maxresdefault.jpg "Matt Stutzman WINS GOLD WITH PARALYMPIC RECORD to complete unforgettable day in Paris | NBC Sports") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DnIacog8Xs&t=381) ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2024, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/17 "2024-09-02T01:43:34Z")
I caught a [goalball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goalball) match; really interesting to watch. Such a different approach to sports. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2024, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/18 "2024-09-02T23:04:27Z")
I was watching this afternoon, and they did one of theose promos where they said “tonight at 6, track and field; at 7, equestrian…” and I thought “amputee horses?” Yes, I’m going to hell. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2024, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/19 "2024-09-02T23:31:30Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I was watching this afternoon, and they did one of theose promos where they said “tonight at 6, track and field; at 7, equestrian…” and I thought **“amputee horses?”** > > Yes, I’m going to hell. - Imagine where ground beef comes from. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2024, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427/20 "2024-09-02T23:37:03Z")
…the grocery store, right? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paralympics-2024-paris-discussion-and-viewing-thread/1006427.md?page=2)