S7 (classification)
[2] Jane Buckley, writing for the Sporting Wheelies, describes the swimmers in this classification as having: "full use of their arms and trunk with some leg function; Coordination or weakness problems on the same side of the body; Limb loss of 2 limbs.
Common problems for intact upper limbs for people in this class include rotator cuffs tearing, shoulder impingement, epicondylitis and peripheral nerve entrapment.
[8][9][10] 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.
[13][15] While CP2, CP3 and CP6 have similar issues with Athetoid or Ataxic, CP6 competitors have "flight" while they are ambulant in that it is possible for both feet to not be touching the ground while walking.
[14][18] They have fine motor control on the dominant side of the body, which can present as asymmetry when they are in motion.
[19] Because of the neuromuscular nature of their disability, CP7 swimmers have slower start times than other people in their classes.
[3] The integrated classification system used for swimming, where swimmers with CP compete against those with other disabilities, is subject to criticisms: such as that the nature of CP is that greater exertion leads to decreased dexterity and fine motor movements.
This puts competitors with CP at a disadvantage when competing against people with amputations who do not lose coordination as a result of exertion.
[22] People with spinal cord injuries compete in this class, including F6 sportspeople.
[26][27] People with lesions at L4 have issues with their lower back muscles, hip flexors and their quadriceps.
[24] People with lesions at L4 to S2 who are complete paraplegics may have motor function issues in their glutes and hamstrings.
[30] S7 swimmers with spinal cord injuries tend to be complete paraplegics with lesions below L2 to L3.
Their hips are higher in the water than lower numbered classes for people with spinal cord injuries.
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.
[35] 50m As of February 2013[update], Great Britain's David Roberts holds the S7 men's world record for the 50 m freestyle long course event, with a time of 00:27.67.
[36] As of September 2021[update], Canada’s Danielle Dorris holds the women’s S7 50m butterfly world record at 32.99.
400m In the 400 m freestyle long course event, the S7 men's world record is held by Great Britain's Josef Craig with a time of 4:42.81.
[40] Sometimes the health examination may not be done on site for amputees in this class because the nature of the amputation could cause alterations to the body that are not physically visible.
[42] As part of the water test, swimmers are often required to demonstrate their swimming technique for all four strokes.
[43] In Australia, to be classified in this category, athletes contact the Australian Paralympic Committee or their state swimming governing body.
[45] Swimmers who have competed in this classification include Veronica Almeida,[46] Chantal Boonacker[46] and Kirsten Bruhn[46] who all won medals in their class at the 2008 Paralympics.
