Paralympics

Schmidtke: “There is gemauschelt”

The German swimmer Torben Schmidtke wants to get on Thursday at the Paralympic games in Rio Gold. Compared to the DW Schmidtke criticized the classification of disabled athletes and even speaks of fraud.

Torben Schmidtke hopes for a medal at the Paralympics

His prosthesis he has made to the start block. As always, before he jumps into the water. Torben Schmidtke has Dysmelia, a congenital malformation. His legs are shortened. On his left Hand he only has three fingers, the Arm is thinner. In Schmidtkes start-class SB6 breast swimmers who were assessed in their disability by Doctors and physiotherapists, according to a System similar. “That, of course, there also is gemauschelt, is clear!”, is convinced the 27-Year-old. Some colleagues initiated the classification tests easily, and would hide what they could, in fact, says Schmidtke.

Classification decides over careers

So the world and European champion and winner at the Paralympics. Namely, when an athlete was in the wrong, and in a favourable of the start of class. Conversely, the System also destroys careers. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is aware of the criticism of the classification system. However, the medical Director of the IPC, Peter van de Vliet, for “absolutely safe”. At the same time, he acknowledges, the test results are not the only form of the day of the athlete but also to the auditors: “It is quite complex and difficult to analyze.” Is a recipe for fraud?

New System planned

The IPC has announced plans to change the much-criticized System. For a total of 20 sports. Including athletics, Biathlon, and Sledge Hockey. “Technology and science to make today possible. We are there for our athletes guilty, to review the System,“ says van de Vliet. The International Paralympic Committee has committed to the sport of swimming two universities, in Australia and in England.

For the scientific studies, the athletes have to compete for example with the latest technology under laboratory conditions in the water test. They pulled cables through the swimming pool, to measure the resistance on your body. Is large, there are correspondingly fewer points. For example, if an athlete is quadriplegic. Then his legs are deeper in the water than in the case of a non-paraplegic swimmers. Cheating is thus hardly possible Similar measurements are performed while jumping from the starting block, during the actual swim, and at the turn. From all of these Tests and measurements a total results value. Decides, in addition to the medical studies relating to the start of class.

At the Start some of the competitors have to Schmidtke (R) advantages

Reformed start classes in Tokyo?

The scientific studies are not complete. But in two years it should be. Then the IPC will start with the new classification in the world. A huge logistical effort. The Committee must guarantee that all national associations are equipped with the new measuring devices. In addition, the IPC must schools the international classifier. Same training for all, to finally decide about the start of classes, and so on careers. Professionally and independently. Same Tests for all athletes who compete in international competitions. Fair and credible.

For Rio, the reformed classification system is too late. Also for Tokyo 2020 it will be tight. The new Paralympic cycle starts in the coming year. At least then, the athletes must know what are the new start class, you will be classified to your Training if necessary adjust accordingly. Whether Torben Schmidtke in four years, is still in the process, he does not know. What counts for him now is Rio. Even if he does not believe that the current System is fair. According to silver, in London on his parade route about 100 meters chest he wants to get in Brazil, finally, Gold.

Huge advantage for the big guy

In the spring of Schmidtke world swam best time of the year – against the Ukrainian world record holder Yevheniy Bohodayko. “A giant guy,” says Schmidtke, who is almost a head smaller than its biggest competitor. Bohodayko has a shortened right Arm, but two healthy legs. At the Start of the Ukrainians has a huge advantage because he can jump better from the Block as Schmidtke. The must get while Swimming all out. The stuff he has.