Author(s): BURNS, G., SCECHURA, M., GRETSCH, K., GARDNER, S., Institution: UNITED STATES OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE, Country: UNITED STATES, Abstract-ID: 2479

INTRODUCTION:
Elite Paralympic sport performance is a complex interaction between physiological capacity, impairment-specific constraints, and long-term training adaptation [1,2]. While there is growing interest in Paralympic sport science, longitudinal data from elite athletes remain scarce [3]. Longitudinal case studies can provide valuable insight into individual performance determinants and training responses across multiple competitive cycles, informing training practices for future generations [3-5] and promoting further directed research in sports sciences [4,6]. This study aimed to describe the physiological and training characteristics of a multi-time multi-sport Paralympic champion.
METHODS:
The subject is a female athlete with spina bifida, a 4-time Paralympian (Para-triathlon, Nordic skiing, biathlon), 7-time Paralympic medalist (4 gold), and 38-time World Championship medalist (22 gold). Lactate and heart-rate profiles were conducted 5-9 times/season (2022-2025) in handcycle, push-rim, and sit-ski modalities. Training volume and intensity (2019-2025) were compiled from power meters, GPS watches, and training logs across handcycling, push-rim running, swimming, and Nordic sit-skiing. Body composition (DXA + skinfolds) was assessed twice per season (2019-2025). Strength and power testing from 2019-2025 used force plates, barbell tracking, and field tests.
RESULTS:
From 2022-2025, lactate thresholds improved across modalities: LT2 increased from 115 to 121 W (+5.2%) in handcycling, 23.7 to 24.0 km/h (+1.3%) in push-rim running, and 12.7 to 15.0 km/h (+18.1%) on a ski treadmill. Total training volume remained relatively stable (628±37 h/yr, 2019-2025) with peak 4-week averages of 18.1 h/wk (triathlon season 2024) and 17.6 h/wk (Nordic season 2025). Triathlon weeks typically included bike (4-8 h), run (1-2 h), swim (2-4 h), and strength (1-2 h); Nordic weeks included ski (5-8 h), bike (1-4 h), and strength (1-2 h). From 2023 onward, intensity distribution shifted from polarized to pyramidal. Weekly high-intensity sessions in triathlon season occurred on bike (3x), run (2x), and swim (2x) , and on skis (2x) and bike (1x) in Nordic seasons. Body mass and composition were stable across years (47.5±1.0 kg; 20.2±1.6% fat) but seasonally higher during Nordic preparation (+1.2 kg; +0.9 kg fat). Strength endurance improved substantially: push-ups 40 to 80 reps (2019-2022), pull-ups 13 to 21 reps, and 1RM pull-up load 12-15 to 22.5-25 kg (2023-2025).
CONCLUSION:
This case study illustrates that sustained improvements in physiological and physical characteristics can occur alongside relatively stable training volumes and body composition with appropriate evolutions in training structure in an elite Paralympic athlete. Longitudinal, multi-disciplinary profiling and collaboration may offer valuable insights for individualized training design and long-term athlete development in Paralympic sport.

[1] Vanlandewijck 2016
[2] Latorre 2025
[3] Staff 2023
[4] Haugen 2022
[5] Solli 2017
[6] Sylta 2016