Daniel Wagner honoured ahead of potential trip to PyeongChang 2018

Just as he is preparing for his Paralympic Winter Games debut, Denmark’s Daniel Wagner was recognised for his achievements as a summer Para athlete.

The long jump world champion, who is in prime position to head to PyeongChang 2018 as a snowboarder, earned the prestigious Pressalit Keep Living Award for being Para Sport Denmark’s Athlete of the Year in 2017, an accolade he has been in the running for numerous times.

“I’m very happy and proud to receive this award,” Wagnrer said. “It’s a special honour for us Para athletes, not least because it is awarded by Dan Boyter. I’ve been nominated four times, and I’ve been very happy each time, but I have to say, it’s really cool to finally take the prize.”

Dan Boyter is part-owner of Pressalit, one of three main sponsors for the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Denmark.

Wagner had a remarkable year, winning his first ever World Championship title at the London 2017 World Para Athletics Championships. He won his gold medal in the long jump T42 competition, setting a new championship record of 6.50m; he finished second in the 100m T42. Those results played a big part in Wagner being nominated and later crowned Denmark’s Para Athlete of the Year.

Almost immediately after the athletics season, he began preparing for his new journey – PyeongChang 2018.

Working closely with Para Sport Denmark and the Finnish snowboard national team, Wagner has so far claimed two top 10 finishes at the World Cups in Landgraaf, Netherlands, and Pyha, Finland.

“Daniel is a world class athlete, and his accomplishments in 2017 are extraordinary. He really deserves this honour,” said Michael Molgaard Nielsen, sports director at Para Sport Denmark.