Six elite wheelchair shooters undertook a simulated competition of 2 hr duration under three different conditions: 1. 24-26 °C and 40% humidity (C), 2. 36 °C and 60% humidity (H), and 3. the H condition whilst using simple head, neck and torso cooling devices (HC). The trials were undertaken at the same time on consecutive days in a counter-balanced, randomised order. Two shooters were removed from the H trial at t=75 and t=105 min, respectively, due to tympanic temperature elevations above 39 °C, but were able to complete the full 2 hr of competition during the C and HC conditions. Heart rates were significantly elevated for the group during the H condition compared to C and HC (106 ± ll, 80 ± 10, 90 ± 7 beats.min-' respectively at t=90 min, p<0.05) as were perceptions of thermal discomfort (6.4 ± 0.7, 3.5 ± 0.4, 4.8 ± 1.0 respectively at t=90 min, p<0.05). These responses were at least partially alleviated by the use of the simple, yet practical, cooling devices. Practically, this may improve performance in shooting competitions as it allows more time to fire a shot between heart beats, and enables shooters to concentrate more easily on the task required of them. Responses to heat exposure were more pronounced in athletes with a higher level of disability (CS versus T4 versus cerebral palsy), and those who wore heavy leather shooting jackets (rifle versus pistol shooters). Although further research is recommended, it would appear that the rules governing shooting attire and prolonging exposure to heat should be reconsidered for events in which wheelchair athletes compete.