Guide to impairment classifications
Guinness World Records believes in inclusiveness – and to us that means offering record-breaking for everyone, everywhere. To ensure we can offer record-breaking for challengers with physical, visual and intellectual impairments, a set of classifications have been created for sport, strength and journey records. These classifications allow for competitive records to be created and monitored which we believe puts challengers on a level playing field.
Here’s which type of records we’d consider for the classifications:
- Sport: Gym based exercises such as push ups, pull ups and squats; treadmill, static cycling and indoor rowing; sports skills such as soccer ball touches or basketball free-throws; running, cycling, swimming, handcycling, wheelchair racing, tricycle records; martial arts strikes; and many more.
- Strength: lifting and pulling weights; breaking blocks; vehicle pulls; strongperson events; and many more.
- Journeys: Traveling from place to place; circumnavigation; greatest distances travelled; most locations visited in a time frame; and many more.
If you’re interested in attempting a sport, strength or journey record which incorporates a classification please tell us in your application which of the following classifications is best suited for your impairment. To apply follow these steps:
To apply follow these steps:
- Login or Register an account if you don't have one.
- Once registered you can then search through our database for record inspiration or to find the record you wish to apply for.
- If you can’t find the record title with the classification you’re interested in attempting you may need to apply for a new record title
- When applying for a new record title it’s worth checking what we can monitor, so you can read about the criteria of what makes a Guinness World Records title here
- Once you’ve submitted your application our expert records management team will assess your proposal and issue guidelines if your application is accepted.
Our offering of classifications is set to grow over time and they’re constantly evolving. If you’re unsure which classification is best suited please consult with a medical professional before making your application. If you have an impairment not covered by our classifications please get in touch.
Classification terms and definitions
Unilateral below knee amputation (LA2)
Bilateral above knee amputation (LA3)
Bilateral below knee amputation (LA4)
Unilateral above elbow amputation (AA1)
Unilateral below elbow amputation (AA2)
Bilateral above elbow amputation (AA3)
Bilateral below elbow amputation (AA4)
Impaired sight 1 (IS1)
Impaired sight 2 (IS2)
Impaired sight 3 (IS3)
Impaired sight 4 (IS4)
Impaired hearing 1 (IH1)
Impaired hearing 2 (IH2)
Impaired hearing 1 single ear (IH1SE)
Impaired hearing 2 single ear (IH2SE)
Short stature (SS)
Coordination impairment – quadriplegic (CI1)
Coordination impairment – monoplegic arm (CIM1)
Coordination impairment – monoplegic leg (CIM2)
Coordination impairment – hemiplegia (CIH)
Coordination impairment – diplegia arms (CID1)
Coordination impairment – diplegia legs (CID2)
Muscle power impairment – arms (MP1)
Muscle power impairment – trunk (MP2)
Muscle power impairment – legs (MP3)
Intellectual impairment (II)
Reasonable Adjustments
GWR may decide to implement a reasonable adjustment to record guidelines or evidence requirements to level the playing field and ensure that an impaired person is not at a disadvantage to someone who is not impaired when attempting a Guinness World Records title. For example, we may allow adapted equipment or extended rest breaks if required, allowing a participant to attempt their chosen record title under the appropriate conditions for their impairment.
Positive Action
Positive action can be described as the implementation of measures to increase representation and participation amongst underrepresented groups of people.
To GWR, that means ensuring our record titles are as inclusive as possible. Where a case for positive action can be made, GWR will therefore consider record titles, timeframes and other factors outside of our standard criteria. Typically, this would see us create a new record title with an impairment classification which would usually be unavailable to a non-impaired person, as a means of encouraging greater interest and participation in record-breaking from individuals with a physical, visual or intellectual impairment.
Understanding the application process

How long does it take?

Consultancy

Standard applications
