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
TRI247 podcast
What is it really like to be a professional triathlete? NEW TRI247 x Challenge Family podcast takes you beyond the start lines this race season
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Let’s race… French Riviera T100
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Gustav Iden aero position body rocket
How to get better at holding your time trial position – Expert tips from former PRO time trial cyclist Alex Dowsett
latest News
Oliver Conway World Triathlon Cuo win Saidia 2025
Breakthrough World Cup win – and Brownlee Racing spot – in memorable week for British youngster
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders moving again but taking it step by step in injury battle
Magnus Ditlev - T100 San Francisco 2024 run
“I lost it mentally” – Magnus Ditlev reveals why he was shown red card at IRONMAN Frankfurt
Marjolaine Pierre World Long Distance Triathlon win 2025
World Triathlon Long-Distance Championships 2025 results: Pierre and Benito add second wins
Kristian Blummenfelt wins IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025
IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025 results: Blummenfelt defends title on drama-packed day
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

Share to...