SHAH RASHID NOMINATED FOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD

We’re delighted to announce that GBR Wheelchair Fencer Shah Rashid has been nominated for the 2023 Athletes’ Athlete of the Year award.

Britain’s elite athletes have nominated 12 of their peers to form the British Elite Athletes Association‘s 2023 Athletes’ Athlete of the Year shortlist.

All athletes currently or previously funded to train via the World Class Programme were able to nominate an elite athlete for the award, and are now voting for their male and female winner.

It’s been a year to be proud of for elite British sport, with athletes excelling in and out of competition, breaking new records, overcoming personal adversity, and using their positions to better the sporting world. Nominations were made not just for competitive success, but also for those athletes who supported or inspired others in elite sport throughout the year.

The men’s shortlist comprises: Joe Clarke (canoeing), Chris Hunt Skelley (para-judo), Shah Rashid (wheelchair fencing), Matt Richards (swimming), Bradly Sinden (taekwondo) and Gregg Stevenson (para-rowing).

The women’s shortlist is: Fran Brown (para-cycling), Emma Finucane (cycling), Jessica Gadirova (gymnastics), Beth Potter (triathlon), Lucy Renshall (judo) and Maisie Summers-Newton (para-swimming).

Wheelchair fencer Shah Rashid earned his first World Cup medal in 2023, roughly 18 months after joining the World Class Programme. However his nomination comes largely for events out of competition, with his nominator saying: “Most importantly for me, as a teammate and a friend he has helped me through what’s been one of the toughest years of my life. He’s been there for me throughout… He regularly called me to check up and always made the effort to be there for me.”

All current and former World Class Programme athletes are now voting for a male and female winner.

Current athletes are voting over email, while former athletes can get involved via the BEAA Alumni app.

The winners will receive personalised trophies on behalf of the BEAA and our members past and present, with confirmation in the new year.

For more information, visit www.britisheliteathletes.org.

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