Liam McGarry up for Athlete of the Month

Four athletes have been nominated for the award after achieving personal triumphs over the last few weeks, and one will be chosen as the winner by their peers on World Class Programmes.

This month’s shortlist comprises: Ros Canter (equestrian), Erin Kennedy (para-rowing), Liam McGarry (para-powerlifting) and Stuart Wood (para-canoeing). The four have been selected not just for competitive success, but for a range of accomplishments.

McGarry shared an honest and emotional interview for Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day and Mental Health Awareness Week, in which he openly discussed suicidal thoughts and how he rediscovered his hope.

Canter won the Badminton Horse Trials with Lordships Graffalo by the biggest winning margin in elite eventing history, becoming one of only five riders to win both Badminton Horse Trials and the World Championship title.

Coxswain Kennedy helped Britain's PR3 mixed coxed four win gold at the European Championships a year after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She was given the all-clear in March, and victory in Slovenia was, in her words, the “cherry on top” after a number of milestones in her return.

Finally, Wood won gold at the Sprint and Para-canoe World Cup in his first major race since treatment for cancer. He was diagnosed shortly after winning bronze at the Tokyo Paralympics, received the all-clear in 2022, and has spent the last 18 months back on the water.

Elite athletes can vote for their Athlete of the Month now by heading to their latest BEAA email, with the winner to be confirmed across the BEAA’s website and social media channels shortly.

Good luck to Liam and everyone shortlisted!