The BEAA are delighted to confirm the three nominees for the April Athletes’ Athlete of the Month award.

In an athlete-decided competition that celebrates both sporting success and personal accomplishments, the nominees will be voted on by their peers currently and formerly on the World Class Programme.

The latest shortlist comprises Eden Rainbow-Cooper (para-athletics), Graeme Thomas (rowing) and Luke Whitehouse (gymnastics).

First up, Eden made history when she won the Boston Marathon – the biggest win of her career. The 22-year-old became the first British woman to ever win the wheelchair race and was also the first British winner of any of the elite races since 1985. She beat the current Paralympic gold and silver medallists having only started her marathon career two years ago, and just days later she finished sixth in London.

Graeme is a seasoned rower with plenty of titles to his name, but competing last month was a particular achievement. He first stroked the men’s quadruple sculls (M4x) to silver in the 2024 World Cup in Varese, and then a fourth-place finish at the European Championships. These results marked a major step on his recovery from an 18-month lay-off through a back injury, which at times meant he couldn’t walk properly.

Finally, following in Ondine Achampong’s footsteps as the March winner, Luke defended his title as European floor champion at the Gymnastics European Championships in Rimini, Italy. Most impressively, at just 21, Luke had only a short window to prepare – being called up in Max Whitlock’s absence with little under two weeks’ notice.

Elite athletes can vote for their Athlete of the Month by heading to their latest BEAA email, with the winner to be confirmed shortly.

Former elite athletes can get involved via the British Elite Athletes Alumni platform – which they can register for here! 

Good luck to everyone shortlisted!