Stefan Daniel named Americas Athlete of the Month for September

Canada’s Stefan Daniel has been voted the Americas Athlete of the Month for September after taking back his title at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Para Triathlon Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The 20-year-old won the men’s PTS5 event in Rotterdam, finishing in 1:01:20, about two minutes ahead of runner-up Jairo Ruiz Lopez of Spain. The World Championship title was Daniel’s second in three years, finishing last year behind Germany’s Martin Schulz, who went on to win Rio 2016 gold.

Daniel received 67 per cent of the public votes.

Colombian cyclist Carolina Munevar received 33 per cent. US archer Jeff Fabry was also on the shortlist.

The nominations are compiled from submissions by National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from the continent.

The 2017 Allianz Athlete of the Month winners so far are:

• January – Gustavo Fernandez, Argentina, wheelchair tennis

• February – Alexander Cataldo, Chile, wheelchair tennis

• March – Maria Paula Barrera, Colombia, Para swimming

• April – Adam Dixon, Canada, Para ice hockey

• May – Bruna Costa Alexandre, Brazil, table tennis

• June – Brent Lakatos, Canada, Para athletics

• July – Mauricio Valencia, Colombia, Para athletics

• August – Diego Meneses, Colombia Para athletics

• September – Stefan Daniel, Canada