T38 (classification)

[1][3] The Australian Paralympic Committee defines this classification as being for "Minimal hemiplegia, ataxia, diplegia or athetosis.

"[4] The International Paralympic Committee defined this classification on their website in July 2016 as, "Coordination impairments (hypertonia, ataxia and athetosis)".

[5] They then go into more detail saying, "Athletes have clear evidence of hypertonia, ataxia and/or athetosis on physical assessment that will affect running.

[7][8][9][10] In athletics, the form used in racing appears similar to able-bodied competitors, but should have some sort of visible limp.

[6] People with Les Autres related disabilities also compete in this class because of their hypertonia, ataxia and/or athetosis.

This policy was put into place in 2014, with the goal of avoiding last minute changes in classes that would negatively impact athlete training preparations.

All competitors needed to be internationally classified with their classification status confirmed prior to the Games, with exceptions to this policy being dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

[24] Athletes with cerebral palsy or similar impairments who wish to compete in para-athletics competition must first undergo a classification assessment.

During this, they both undergo a bench test of muscle coordination and demonstrate their skills in athletics, such as running, jumping or throwing.

[10] Australian athletics competitors in this class include Evan O'Hanlon, Tim Sullivan and Katy Parrish.