Paralympian Answers Paralympics Questions | Tech Support | WIRED

Classification attempts to balance diverse disabilities

Paralympic snowboarding uses two lower-limb classifications (LL1 for two affected joints, LL2 for one) and one upper-limb class, though perfect parity remains impossible when competitors have different functional advantages (e.g., knee mobility vs. ankle mobility).

Unique dual-event format

Unlike Olympic snowboarding, the Paralympic version features boardercross (head-to-head racing against three athletes simultaneously) and banked slalom (time trials through 14-20 turns), with athletes rarely training on actual banked slalom courses before competitions.

Performance standards rival Olympic levels

Since snowboarding debuted at the 2014 Paralympics, speeds and technical performance have increased dramatically, with bilateral below-knee amputees using running blades occasionally achieving competitive times that rival able-bodied Olympic sprinters.

Mountain bike shock technology powers prosthetics

Schultz's 'Moto Knee' uses a compressed air spring (adjustable from 0-300 PSI) and hydraulic oil to replicate quadriceps function, providing resistance for absorbing impacts from 50-60 foot jumps—technology largely unavailable when he started in 2009.

Cold weather creates material limitations

Sub-zero temperatures increase hydraulic viscosity, slowing movement and requiring athletes to 'pump' the joint before runs; components use 7000-series aluminum, titanium adapters, and carbon-fiber-infused 3D-printed nylon to prevent brittleness.

Modular design enables multi-sport use

The system features a four-sided pyramid attachment point allowing quick swaps between the knee unit and 'Versa Foot' for below-knee amputees, with applications extending beyond snowboarding to motocross, wakeboarding, and gym strength training.

Rapid return to competition post-amputation

Following his 2008 snowmobile racing injury, Schultz was walking on his first prosthesis within 5.5 weeks and competing in X Games adaptive supercross just 7 months later using a leg he built in his garage.

Dual burden of physical and equipment maintenance

Elite adaptive athletes must maintain peak physical condition while constantly fine-tuning prosthetic alignment, air pressures, and angles; equipment failure can negate fitness gains, requiring athletes to carry tools and spare parts constantly.

Financial instability between Games

Only approximately 1% of Paralympians earn a living solely through their sport; most rely on corporate partnerships (like Schultz's collaboration with Autodesk) and public speaking, despite preparing for a peak event that occurs only every four years.