Who should be Americas ‘Athlete of the Month’?

Powerlifter Juan Carlos Garrido (CHI), cyclist Lauro Chaman (BRA), swimmer Nelson Crispin (COL), judoka Luis Perez (PUR), powerlifter Perla Barcenas (MEX), judoka Priscilla Gagné (CAN) and swimmer Rebecca Meyers (USA) are the seven Para athletes shortlisted for May 2018´s Americas ‘Athlete of the Month’ poll.

The public are invited to vote for their winner via the Americas Paralympic Committee homepage until Tuesday (12 June).

The nominations are:

Juan Carlos Garrido, Chile, powerlifting

The two-time Paralympian and Parapan American champion sealed silver in the men’s up to 59kg at the European Open Championships in Berck-sur-Mer, France.

Lauro Chaman, Brazil, cycling

Emerged victorious in the men’s time trial C5 at the first 2018 UCI Para Cycling Road World Cup in Ostend, Belgium.

Nelson Crispin, Colombia, swimming

The three-time Paralympic silver medallist delivered a great performance in the men’s 100m breaststroke at the World Series in Sheffield, Great Britain, taking gold with 991 points.

Luis Perez, Puerto Rico, judo

Aced the men’s -66kg at the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Judo Pan American Championships in Calgary, Canada, winning all three of his bouts to take the title.

Perla Barcenas, Mexico, powerlifting

Topped the podium in the women’s over 86kg at the European Open Championships thanks to a 136kg lift.

Priscilla Gagné, Canada, judo

Celebrated on home soil at the Judo Pan American Championships in Calgary as she recorded three wins in the women’s -52kg after beating all her opponents by ippon to take gold.

Rebecca Meyers, USA, swimming

Claimed three individual medals, including one gold and two silvers, at the World Series in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy.

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

The 2018 Americas Athlete of the Month winners are:

• January – Fernando Fuentes, El Salvador, swimming

• February – Brenna Huckaby, USA, snowboard

• March – Cristian Ribera, Brazil, Nordic skiing

• April – Daniela Gimenez, Argentina, swimming