WPA Points System
Understanding Paralympic Performance Comparison
What are WPA Points?
The WPA Points system is the official method used by World Para Athletics to compare performances across different disability classes in athletics competitions.
The system uses a mathematical formula to convert performances into points, allowing fair competition between athletes with different disabilities.
How It Works
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Equal Opportunity: Athletes from different classes can compete fairly against each other
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1200 Points Standard: World record performances typically score around 1200 points
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Higher is Better: The athlete with the highest WPA Points wins, regardless of their class
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Updated Regularly: Constants are updated based on world record progressions
How is it calculated?
Official WPA Points Formula (Gompertz Function):
Track Events (Time-based):
Points = A × e(-e(B - C/Performance))
Performance in seconds
Field Events (Distance-based):
Points = A × e(-e(B - C×Performance))
Performance in meters
Inverse Formula (Performance from Points):
Track Events: Performance = C / (B - ln(ln(A/Points)))
Field Events: Performance = (B - ln(ln(A/Points))) / C
Where A, B, and C are event and class-specific constants.
Note: The system uses FLOOR() for points calculation and CEILING() for performance calculation to ensure integer points and achievable performance targets.