The odds are stacked against athletes from poor nations in paralympic sport

Athletes from low and middle income countries - particularly women - are at a distinct disadvantage

International disability sporting events have become much more visible in recent years and have been promoted as a way of achieving inclusion and promoting participation.

But our study shows that it’s not an even playing field for athletes who participate and perform successfully in paralympic sport.

We explored factors which determine both participation and success in the paralympic sport of athletics (track and field).

We found that economic factors play a major role. Affordability influences the extent to which countries can participate in different events. Athletes from low and middle income countries – particularly women – are