S2 (classification)
Swimmers in this class have a variety of different disabilities including cerebral palsy and amputations.
[2][3] Jane Buckley, writing for the Sporting Wheelies, describes the swimmers in this classification as being: "able to use their arms with no use of their hands, legs or trunk Or have severe coordination problems in four limbs.
[10] The nature of a person's amputations in this class can effect their physiology and sports performance.
[11][12] Because of the potential for balance issues related to having an amputation, during weight training, amputees are encouraged to use a spotter when lifting more than 15 pounds (6.8 kg).
To keep their oxygen consumption rate similar to people without lower limb amputations, they need to walk slower.
Common problems with intact upper limbs for people in this class include rotator cuffs tearing, shoulder impingement, epicondylitis and peripheral nerve entrapment.
When their standing height and arm length are added together, the distance is equal to or less than 180 centimetres (71 in).
There are a variety of causes including skeletal dysplasia, chondrodystrophy, and growth hormone deficiencies.
[27] People with spinal cord injuries compete in this class, including F1, F2 sportspeople.
[31][33] Disabled Sports USA defined the anatomical definition of this class in 2003 as, "Have functional elbow flexors and wrist dorsi-flexors.
[29] The location of lesions on different vertebrae tend to be associated with disability levels and functionality issues.
[34] People with C5 can perform some actions with one of their arms, and can propel a wheelchair with modified rims that make it easier to do.
[29] In terms of motor functions, people in this class who are C4-C6 tetraplegics may have issues with their biceps, deltoids, rhomboids and rotor cuffs.
They normally swim the backstroke as they lack head control to breathe effectively for the freestyle.
[33][40] The location of lesions on different vertebrae tend to be associated with disability levels and functionality issues.
[42] They can use a wheelchair using their own power, and do everyday tasks like eating, dressing, and normal physical maintenance.
[36] Swimming classification is done based on a total points system, with a variety of functional and medical tests being used as part of a formula to assign a class.
Part of this test involves the Adapted Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.
[43] Swimming classification is done based on a total points system, with a variety of functional and medical tests being used as part of a formula to assign a class.
Part of this test involves the Adapted Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.
They normally swim the backstroke as they lack head control to breathe effectively for the freestyle.
In 2003 the committee approved a plan which recommended the development of a universal classification code.
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.
[52][53] As part of the water test, swimmers are often required to demonstrate their swimming technique for all four strokes.
[53] In Australia, to be classified in this category, athletes contact the Australian Paralympic Committee or their state swimming governing body.
[54] Swimmers who have competed in this classification include Jim Anderson,[55] Sara Carracelas,[55] Iryna Sotska[55] who all won medals in their class at the 2008 Paralympics.
[55] American swimmers who have been classified by the United States Paralympic Committee as being in this class include Nancy Anderson, Suzanne Collett and Curtis Lovejoy.
