World Triathlon and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have confirmed the qualification system that will determine which Para triathletes earn the right to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, taking place from 15 August to 27 August 2028.
A total of 120 athlete quota places — 60 male and 60 female — are available across the 12 medal events, covering the sport classes PTWC, PTS2, PTS3, PTS4, PTS5 and PTVI in both the men's and women's competitions.
How athletes qualify
The Paralympic Qualification Period will run for 12 months, from 15 June 2027 to 14 June 2028. During this window, athletes will compete at designated World Triathlon events to earn points on the World Triathlon Paralympic Qualification Ranking. Each athlete's final ranking will be calculated from their best three (3) results across the qualification period.
Points are available at four levels of competition:
World Triathlon Para Championships — 700 points for the winner
World Triathlon Para Series — 550 points for the winner
Continental Triathlon Para Championships — 500 points for the winner
World Triathlon Para Cup — 450 points for the winner
'Para triathlon's place at the Paralympic Games is something we are incredibly proud of and deeply committed to protecting,' said Antonio F. Arimany, World Triathlon President. 'Maintaining 12 medal events and 120 quota places at Los Angeles 2028 is a testament to the strength of our sport and the extraordinary athletes who inspire millions around the world. This qualification system has been designed to reward consistency and performance across a truly global competition calendar, and we look forward to seeing the world's best Para triathletes earn their place on the start line.'
Allocation of qualification slots
The top nine (9) ranked athletes in each of the 12 medal events on the World Triathlon Paralympic Qualification Ranking as of 14 June 2028 will each earn one qualification slot for their National Paralympic Committee (NPC).
The remaining six (6) male and six (6) female places will be allocated through the Bipartite Commission Invitation method, selected jointly by the IPC and World Triathlon.
NPCs wishing to be considered for a Bipartite Commission Invitation slot must submit a written application to World Triathlon by 16 June 2028.
Key dates
15 June 2027 — Paralympic Qualification Period begins
14 June 2028 — Paralympic Qualification Period ends
16 June 2028 — Deadline for Bipartite Commission Invitation applications
19 June 2028 — World Triathlon notifies NPCs of qualification slot allocations
26 June 2028 — NPCs confirm use of allocated slots
24 July 2028 — Deadline for sport entry forms to the Los Angeles 2028 Organising Committee