Ryan Taylor has won the British Elite Athletes Association’s (BEAA) Athletes’ Athlete of the Month award for October.
The para-triathlete has been recognised by his fellow World Class Programme athletes after marking his return from a seven-year break by winning a silver medal at the World Triathlon Para Championships in Australia.
Ryan finished second in the PTS3 category behind teammate Henry Urand, having only returned to competition earlier this year following a stint in cycling.
His success is even more impressive as his preparation for the World Championships was disrupted by a broken foot, which forced him to miss six months of the season.
“Because it’s my first year back in triathlon, it’s [the silver medal] probably my best achievement in sport,” Ryan told the BEAA.
“It feels great to be back. This year was more about getting to know where I ranked against my opponents, so I wasn’t expecting to medal.
“I was thinking, let’s just race, see where I am and think about medalling next year, so I feel like I’m a few months ahead of where I should be.”
Presented by the BEAA on behalf of its members, the Athletes’ Athlete of the Month award recognises numerous achievements by British athletes, including sporting success, and personal milestones such as injury comebacks, awareness raising and charitable efforts.
It is voted for exclusively by athletes in Olympic, Paralympic and progression sports who receive funding from UK Sport’s World Class Programme.
Ryan was up against Dan Bethell (para-badminton), Abi Martin (gymnastics) and Lauren Williams (taekwondo), who all won major championship medals in October.
“I was quite surprised when I found out I had been nominated,” he added.
“But winning an award voted for by my fellow World Class Programme athletes shows that I'm actually performing well.”
Congratulations to Ryan on this recognition and to Dan, Abi and Lauren for being shortlisted.
Elite athletes can get involved in future Athletes' Athlete of the Month votes by taking part via the BEAA's monthly member emails.
