S7 (classification)

S7, SB6, SM7 are disability swimming classifications used for categorizing swimmers based on their level of disability. Swimmers in this class have use of their arms and trunk. They have limited leg function or are missing a leg or parts of both legs. This class includes a number of different disabilities including people with amputations and cerebral palsy. The classification is governed by the International Paralympic Committee, and competes at the Paralympic Games.

This classification is for swimming. In the classification title, S represents Freestyle, Backstroke and Butterfly strokes. SB means breaststroke. SM means individual medley. Swimming classifications are on a gradient, with one being the most severely physically impaired to ten having the least amount of physical disability. 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."

This class includes people with several disability types include cerebral palsy and amputations.

ISOD amputee A2, A3, A5, A6 and A7 swimmers may be found in this class. Prior to the 1990s, the A3, A5, A6 and A7 classes were often grouped with other amputee classes in swimming competitions, including the Paralympic Games.

Visualization of an A5 classified swimmer competing in S7

Visualization of an A6 classified swimmer competing in S7

Visualization of an A7 classified swimmer competing in S7

Visualization of an A3 classified swimmer competing in S7

Visualization of an A2 classified swimmer competing in S7

Because their legs of A5, A6 and A7 are their greatest strength, they modify their entry into the water to take advantage of this. Compared to able bodied swimmers, swimmers in this class have a shorter stroke length and increased stroke rate. The nature of a person's amputations in the A5, A6 and A7 class can effect their physiology and sports performance. Because they are missing a limb, amputees are more prone to overuse injuries in their remaining limbs. Common problems for intact upper limbs for people in this class include rotator cuffs tearing, shoulder impingement, epicondylitis and peripheral nerve entrapment.

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