Who should be Americas Athlete of 2018?

Eleven standout Para athletes have been shortlisted for the Americas 'Athlete of the Year' Award for 2018, and the public can now vote on the Americas Paralympic Committee homepage until 30 January.

Mexican powerlifter Jose de Jesus Castillo Castillo won the 2017 edition.

He said: “Winning this award meant a lot not just for me, but for the Paralympic Movement in Mexico.

“Already being among the finalists represents all the hard work done over the last years. It was a reward for me and for all the people that has supported me since the beginning of my career.”

The nominations are compiled from submissions by National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from across the continent based on their performances over ther last 12 months.

The nominees are:

Alana Maldonado, judo, Brazil

Became Brazil’s first female judoka to win the world title with victory in the up to 70kg at Odivelas 2018.

Alberto Abarza, swimming, Chile

Stood out at the 2018 World Series, collecting multiple medals to finish first in the men’s S/SB 1-3 High Support Needs, and third in the overall rankings, with 4,080 points.

Alejandro Perea Arango, cycling, Colombia

Claimed two golds at the Track Worlds in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and followed that up with one silver and one bronze at the Road Worlds in Maniago, Italy.

Camila Haase, swimming, Costa Rica

Shone at January’s Para Central American Games by taking four golds before going on to win four further titles at the Barranquilla National Open in Colombia.

Fernando Fuentes, swimming, El Salvador

Was named Americas ‘Athlete of the Month’ for January 2018 following an outstanding performance at the Para Central American Games, where he sealed four golds.

Gabriel Cuadra Holmann, athletics, Nicaragua

The two-time Paralympian shone in front of his home crowd at Managua 2018 by winning gold in the men’s 800m and 1,500m T38.

Gustavo Villafañe, wheelchair basketball, Argentina

Made it to the Hamburg 2018 men’s All-Star team after leading Argentina to an historic seventh place at August’s World Championships. He also helped Argentina take gold at the South American Championships and qualify for Lima 2019.

Jose de Jesus Castillo Castillo, powerlifting, Mexico

Successfully defended the continental title in Bogota, Colombia, by lifting 232kg in the men’s up to 107kg.

Mollie Jepsen, alpine skiing, Canada

Medalled in four of her five events at PyeongChang 2018, including a gold medal in the super combined standing, plus a silver and two bronze. She was named Best Female Athlete of 2018 by the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC).

Oksana Masters, Nordic skiing, USA

Overcoming an injury to her right arm, Masters won five medals (two golds, two silvers and one bronze) to leave PyeongChang as the most decorated female athlete on the team and in the history of the US Para Nordic programme.

Pilar Jauregui, badminton, Peru

Left as the most decorated player of the Pan American Championships on home soil in Lima after winning the women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles.