Search
shop

Paralympic champions win prestigious award from British Elite Athletes Association

Dave Ellis and Luke Pollard have been named Athletes' Athlete of the Year
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Paris 2024 Paralympic champions Dave Ellis and his guide Luke Pollard have been named the 2024 Athletes’ Athlete of the Year by the British Elite Athletes Association (BEAA).

The duo, who rounded off an incredible 2024 by being awarded MBEs, now add another prestigious accolade to their resumés.

Ellis, who has won every title that matters in the PTVI sphere since taking up triathlon in 2013, along with Pollard, topped a vote among elite British athletes to win the prize. The honour is awarded by the BEAA on behalf of current and former World Class Programme athletes.

A year to remember

Dave and Luke completed the so-called triple crown in the PTVI category – a classification for paratriathlon athletes with visual impairments. The pair claiming the Paralympic, World Championship and European Championship crowns.

“It is so nice that people have recognised us in this way,” said Dave on receiving the award.

“The shortlist had some great athletes on there and even just to make that nomination list was unbelievable. I’m blown away to actually win the award.

Luke added: “I didn’t really believe [we’d won] to start off with.

“We’re both pretty quiet athletes but it has been really good to put Dave’s story and Dave’s journey and our delivery of races out into the public. To be recognised by fellow athletes is absolutely unbelievable.”

Dave Ellis Luke Pollard gold PTVI Paralympics Paris 2024 photo credit Petko Beier
The moment Dave Ellis and Luke Pollard won gold in Paris [Photo credit: Petko Beier | World Triathlon]

The duo claimed the award ahead of star-studded shortlist including Stephen McGuire (Boccia), Dan Pembroke (Para-Athletics), Benjamin Pritchard (Para-Rowing) and Duncan Scott (Swimming).

Dave added on Instagram: “What an honour to receive this award! We were absolutely blown away just to be shortlisted, but to have won, especially among so many incredible athletes was a huge surprise. A massive thanks to everyone who voted and supported us.”

Eyes on 2028

The six-time world paratriathlon champion remains as hungry as ever for success and already has his sights set on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“I’d like to do another four years and see if I’ve still got enough to be competitive at another Games. I feel like I’m only getting started really with the Paralympics, having only done two in triathlon. I’d love to do another one and give it a go,” Ellis told us in October.

Stuart Dick
Written by
Stuart Dick
Stuart is a graduate of the University of Sunderland with a masters' degree in Sports Journalism. He spends a lot of his time running and cycling around West Yorkshire, England.
Discover more
Challenge Family Jort Vlam CEO
“It’s not just for nutty people who train 40 hours a week!” Jort Vlam on taking triathlon mainstream and why he’s still inspired to keep growing the sport
Chain hanging to dry after waxing
PremiumSwitching to a waxed chain could take minutes off your Ironman bike split, without riding any harder – and here’s why
PremiumAre women better than men at long distances? We uncover the truth once and for all
Castelli Aero Pro 8S women's cycling jersey
Castelli Aero Pro 8S cycling jersey review: can this ultra-aero jersey turn watts into speed without dialling down on comfort?
Sian Rainsley Vitus
PremiumThreshold or VO2 max? The best type of intervals for triathletes who want to get faster
latest News
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Lionel Sanders on his way back – but Nice too soon so sights set on new targets
Adam Peaty photo credit Aquatics GB
Gordon Ramsay, Adam Peaty and Harry Judd face Olympic challenge at T100 London
James Elvery / RaceRanger
RaceRanger anti-draft tech set to be added to motos by next season reveals CEO
Taylor Knibb congratulates Julie Derron at T100 San Francisco 2025
T100 London 2025: Date, start times and how to watch two epic races LIVE
Hayden Wilde Alex Yee Olympic Games Triathlon Paris 2024
Welcome shock as Alex Yee and Hayden Wilde renew rivalry on the French Riviera
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...