(Image: British Triathlon)
Paratriathlon has taken a step closer to its Olympic debut with the news that qualification criteria for athletes has now been agreed for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“Paratriathlon’s entry into the Paralympic Games will be a watershed moment for our sport,” said Marisol Casado, president of the International Triathlon Union and International Olympic Committee member.
Qualifying spots will be allocated to each National Paralympic Committee (NPC) through the 2015 ITU World Championships and ITU Paralympic Qualification, with the host nation of Brazil also allowed to directly qualify one male and one female athlete.
In all there will be a maximum of 60 paratriathletes taking part in Rio, with confirmation expected to arrive later this year of exactly which medal events will be held, according to the ITU.
More information on qualifying criteria for the 2016 Paralympic games can be found here.