T45 (classification)

Common problems for intact upper limbs for people in this class include rotator cuffs tearing, shoulder impingement, epicondylitis and peripheral nerve entrapment.

[9] People with arm amputations in this class can have elevated padded blocks to place their stumps on for the start of the race.

[9] The classification was created by the International Paralympic Committee and has roots in a 2003 attempt to address "the overall objective to support and co-ordinate the ongoing development of accurate, reliable, consistent and credible sport focused classification systems and their implementation.

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.

[16] Sometimes the health examination may not be done on site because the nature of the amputation could cause not physically visible alterations to the body.

[17] During the training portion of classification, observation may include being asked to demonstrate their skills in athletics, such as running, jumping or throwing.

[18] Notable runners in this class include Yohansson Nascimento (BRA), who holds T45 world records at 100m, 200m and 400m distances.

2012 Paralympic medalists Zhao Xu (CHN) and Samkelo Radebe (RSA) also compete in this class.