S8 (classification)

S8, SB7, SM8 are disability swimming classifications used for categorizing swimmers based on their level of disability. 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. The number following indicates degree of disability, with one being the most severely physically impaired to ten having the least amount of physical disability. According to the International Paralympic Committee, examples of those eligible for the S8, SB7 and SM8 classes include "Swimmers who have lost either both hands or one arm [...] also, athletes with severe restrictions in the joints of the lower limbs." Jane Buckley, writing for the Sporting Wheelies, an Australian disability association, describes the swimmers in this classification as having: "full use of their arms and trunk with some leg function; Swimmers with coordination problems mainly in the lower limbs; Both legs amputated just above or just below the knee; Single above elbow amputation."

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

ISOD amputee A2, A3, A6, A8 and A9 swimmers may be found in this class. Prior to the 1990s, the A2, A3, A6, A8 and A9 classes were often grouped with other amputee classes in swimming competitions, including the Paralympic Games.

Visualization of an A6 classified swimmer competing in S8

Visualization of an A3 classified swimmer competing in S8

Visualization of an A8 classified swimmer competing in S8

Visualization of an A2 classified swimmer competing in S8

Visualization of an A9 classified swimmer competing in S8

S8 and S9 amputee swimmers in this class have similar start times to people with legs amputations in S8 to S10 classes. S8 amputee swimmers in this class have much shorter points of entry into the water off the block. Compared to able bodied swimmers, amputee swimmers in this class have a shorter stroke length and increased stroke rate. Because their legs are their greatest strength, they modify their entry into the water to take advantage of this.

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