Olympic and Paralympic athletes will again have the opportunity to celebrate their fellow sportspeople as the Athletes’ Athlete of the Year award returns for 2024.

Launched in 2023 by the British Elite Athletes Association, the award is the only athlete-led prize that crosses all World Class Programme sports.

The first edition saw para-rower Gregg Stevenson triumph in the men’s category, with para-cyclist Fran Brown claiming the women’s prize. Now, athletes are invited to share their nominations for 2024.

It was another proud year for elite British sport, with the Paris Olympics and Paralympics delivering countless memorable moments. Team GB returned home with 65 medals, while ParalympicsGB’s 124 medals saw them finish second in the media table.

However, this award recognises more than just sporting success, with athletes also able to nominate those who have supported or inspired others outside of competition during the last 12 months.

How it works

Elite and former elite athletes are in charge of this award, choosing the nominees and the winners.

Who can nominate who?

Current elite British athletes have been invited to nominate their choice via this month's BEAA newsletter.

Former elite athletes can do so through the British Elite Athletes Alumni app. All nominated athletes must have been on the World Class Programme at any point in 2024.

What happens next?

Triple Olympic medallist and BEAA CEO Kelly Sotherton will shortlist the final nominees. All current and former elite British athletes will then be able to vote for a male and female winner, again via email and the alumni app respectively.

The nominated shortlist will be published in early January, with the winners confirmed later that month. The winners will receive personalised trophies on behalf of the BEAA and our members past and present.

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