FAQs

Tatyana makes many public appearances each year and is always asked about her life as an elite Paralympic athlete.  This FAQ page answers the "most frequently asked" questions from her many public appearance.

How do you get classified as an elite athlete?

Athletes are called “elite” when they meet particular time qualifications that are set by the Olympic/Paralympic Committee which can be found at the Paralymic website I was classified as an “elite” athlete when I was first named to the Paralympic team in 2004.

How does the Paralympic classification system work?

The classification system evens the playing field by grouping athletes according to their disability. For example, athletes with visual impairment race against other athletes with visual impairment in the same “class”. I am classes as a T-54 which means I race against other athletes who have muscles in their abdominal core and back but do not have muscles in their lower body.

What special equipment do you need to race and how do I get it?

Wheelchair racers need a specially designed wheelchair with three wheels, special gloves for “pushing” the rims of the wheels, and a helmet to provide protection in case of a fall. There are multiple companies in the USA and around the world that make equipment both in a standard version and custom designed for individual racers. My racing wheelchair is custom made by OX in Japan, my gloves are custom made in the United States, and my helmet is standard and can be purchased in any sports store.

How often do you work out? How important is training?

I work out twice a day, six days a week. Some of my workouts are in the gym, some on the track, and some on open road. My coach develops specific plans (that I follow for each session.

Is nutrition important?

Nutrition is a very important ingredient for success. I work with a nutritionist to balance my food intake, paying special attention to my proteins, carbohydrates, and good fats.

When did the Paralympics begin?

The Paralympics began after WWII when British war veterans held an athletic competition. The first official “games” that welcome both veterans and others, was held in Rome in 1960 – 23 countries participated with more than 400 athletes. In Rio de Janeiro in 2016, 4,342 athletes from 159 countries participated. Today the Paralympics are the third largest sports gathering in the world, running just behind the Olympics and World Cup Soccer.

What Female Paralympic Track and Field Athlete has earned the most Paralympic medals?

Chantel Peticlerc from Canada has earned a total of 14 Paralympic Gold Medals. We raced against each other until she retired from the sport soon after the Beijing Paralympics in 2008. She was a great competitor and mentor early in my career. I will be forever grateful for her good advice and kind support. That said, I hope to surpass her medal count…maybe in Paris in 2024!

How do you feel when you lose a race?

I love to win…but sometimes I lose. We all do!! Each and every experience has a lesson to teach and I try to learn them all. Constant improvement is my goal.

Do you feel that people with disabilities are treated equally around the world?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has had a significant impact in the United States in improving equal access. That said, there is still work to do in both the USA and abroad to created and even playing field for all.

Do your fans help you improve your performance?

Absolutely! I love my fans! They follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They cheer for me along the road in marathons and workouts. They inspire me, each and every day, to be my best and do my best.