Competition format

The High Jump is a straight final. Each athlete may have up to three attempts at each height.

Athletes get three attempts at each height, and may choose to miss out jumps if they wish and move on to the next height. Once each height has been completed, the bar is raised, and the next set of jumps begins. The athlete must take off from one foot only, and the bar must not be dislodged from its supports by the athlete during the attempt.

Athletes with a visual impairment may touch the bar to orientate themselves before they jump (if they knock it off while doing this it doesn’t count as a 'no jump').

The athlete clearing the highest jump is the winner.

At the end of the competition, any ties are broken in favour of the athlete with fewest failures at the final height. If still tied, the athlete with the fewest total failures wins, and if still tied after that the tie stands, other than for first place, which may be resolved by a jump-off.

Keys to success

To achieve the maximum possible height or distance in all three jumps, every aspect of the jump must be perfect including the run up. Athletes take great care in working out the exact position they start from, ensuring it suits their stride pattern and provides them with the best possible take off. All three jumping disciplines need perfect accuracy as well as great strength and speed.

Breaking the rules

In the High Jump the brush of a trailing leg or foot can dislodge the bar and ruin an otherwise perfect jump. In the Long Jump or Triple Jump a fraction of a centimetre over the take-off board results in a no jump.

For more information, please go to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) website.

Read more about classifications in Paralympic Athletics