Public Vote for December's 'Athlete of the Month' Now Open

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced its shortlist of five nominees who are in the running for December’s ‘Athlete of the Month.'

Last year was concluded by one of the biggest Paralympic sporting events in 2010, the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games in China and all five shortlisted athletes took part in the Games which featured more than 2,500 athletes from 41 countries.

Members of the public have until Friday 7 January 2011 to cast their vote via www.facebook.com/ParalympicSport.TV for one of the following five athletes:

Kumudu Dissanayake Mudiyanselage

The Sri Lankan sprinter broke the Women’s 200m T45 world record twice in Guangzhou, first in the semi-finals recording 28.67 seconds and then again a day later when she crossed the line in 28.58 seconds.

Siamand Rahman

The Iranian powerlfiter claimed gold in the Men's +100kg competition and set a new world record pushing 287.5kg.

Zhi Guo

Chinese Swimmer Zhi Guo topped the individual medal tally winning four gold medals and one silver medal.

Shingo Kunieda

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) top ranked player in the Men's Singles Rankings 2010 was dominated the competition at the 2010 Para Asian Games claiming gold in the both Men's Singles and Doubles.

Archery Women's Team Recurve Open - Korean National Team

Korean archers Hee Sook Ko, Ranssok Kim and Hwa Sook Lee, who formed the Korean National Team in the Women's Team Recurve Open competition, claimed gold and set a new world record with a total of 1811 points.

Previous winners in 2010 are as follows:

January: Alexi Salamone, Ice Sledge Hockey

February: Mariann Marthinsen, Cross-Country Skiing

March: Canadian Wheelchair Curling Team

April: Sinisa Vidic, Shooting

May: Katrin Green, Athletics

June: Padraic Moran, Boccia

July: Chinese Women's Sitting Volleyball Team

August: Daniel Dias, Swimming

September: US Wheelchair Rugby Team

October: Katrina Hart, Athletics

November: Anna Schaffelhuber, Alpine Skiing