Does Technology Give Paralympians An Unfair Advantage?

As the Paralympics in Paris continue, questions are being raised about the role of technology in creating a level playing field for athletes. 

From modified wheelchairs to carbon fibre running blades, advancements in assistive technology have revolutionised the way Paralympians compete.

Click and listen the full episode below:

On today’s The Briefing, Professor John Cairney is the Head of School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Queensland. 

He joins Antoinette Lattouf on this episode of The Briefing to explore what technical advancement means for Paralympic athletes, both in Paris and into the future.  

Mr Cairney says that technology has been a game-changer in the Paralympics.

“it’s really evolving and changing everywhere. If we think of how fast technology has changed in society in general, then you would see that same kind of exponential upward curve in terms of the adoption in the Olympics,” he said.

The growing reliance on expensive equipment has sparked debate over the impact of technology on competition, with critics calling for more stringent regulations to maintain a level playing field. 

“We have to be careful that it’s not all one group of individuals, able -bodied people, who are making the decisions about what counts and what doesn’t.”

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