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Tanni Grey-Thompson enters debate over Paralympic classification

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson spoke at a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson has called for a "fair and transparent" system of Paralympic classification.

Paralympic champion Sophie Hahn denied abusing the classification system following a campaign led by Michael Breen, who claimed Hahn did not have the required disability to compete alongside his daughter; long jump world champion Olivia Breen.

Grey-Thompson, who won 11 Paralympic titles during a legendary career, was asked by Giles Watling MP if the current system of classifying the disabilities of athletes was fit for purpose.

Grey-Thompson told a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee: 'We need to ask the question whether classification is fair and transparent and whether athletes can make an appeal or complaint in an open and fair process.

"Judged on what I have been told, I don't believe we can answer that question right now."

The International Paralympic Committee reacted firmly, telling Press Association: "We strongly refute any accusations that the classification system in Paralympic sport is broken and not fit for purpose.

"Just because a small group of athletes and coaches are allegedly seeking to break the rules does not mean that the allegations equate to a broken system. To date, there have been no substantiated allegations regarding intentional misrepresentation in para-sport."