Rowing debuted at the Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2008 with four events, all contested over 1,000m. This was increased to 2,000m – the same distance as Para rowing’s Olympic counterpart – at the Tokyo 2020 Games in 2021.
There are five rowing events at the Paralympic Games, three of which are mixed (two PR2 and PR3 double sculls and one in PR3 coxed four). The boats are equipped with fixed seats for rowers without leg function.
Brief overview of the rules
Para rowing rules are almost identical to those used at the Olympic Games. Rowers are eligible for different events according to their sex and impairment category: PR1, PR2 or PR3
PR1 single sculls (an individual boat for PR1 men’s single or PR1 women’s single): reserved for rowers without trunk or leg function using two oars. These athletes have strapping around their mid‑section to provide support and maintain their balance.
PR2 mixed double sculls (PR2 Mix2x): reserved for rowers with arm and trunk function. The team is made up of two rowers – a male and a female athlete – each of whom has two oars.
PR3 mixed coxed four (PR3 Mix4+): reserved for rowers with arm, trunk, and leg function. The team is made up of four rowers – two women and two men – and a coxswain, with each rower using one oar.
PR3 mixed double sculls (PR3 Mix2x): reserved for rowers with arm, trunk, and leg function. The team is made up of two rowers – a male and a female athlete – each of whom has two oars.
