Dan Powell has been named Athletes’ Athlete of the Month for May after winning the first world title of his career.

British Elite Athletes Association (BEAA) members selected the VI judo athlete as their winner in recognition of his achievement at the IBSA World Championships, where he claimed gold in the -95KG J1 category.

Dan’s success in Kazakhstan was even more impressive given his preparation was disrupted by injury.

The Paralympic silver medallist suffered an elbow problem and two slipped discs in his back in the lead-up to the event. This was compounded by a bout of illness which landed him in hospital six days before he flew out to the championships.

Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Dan cruised through preliminary rounds before beating the current Paralympic champion in the final. As a result of his success, he rose to world number one for the first time in his career.

“It didn’t sink in for a good few weeks,” he tells the BEAA.

“People have been really kind to celebrate with me, and it is a surreal thing. I came just short in 2022 when I came back with a silver. It was my first world medal and I was really proud and happy with that at the time.

“Then, when I was knocking on the door of every single international and getting a silver medal in the Paralympics, I started to think, ‘am I just set for silvers in my career?’.

“To be able to go one step further and win the World Championships and have that title to my name, I am immensely proud to be able to do that for myself, my family and my team.”

Presented by the BEAA on behalf of its members – athletes funded by UK Sport’s World Class Programme – the Athletes’ Athlete of the Month award recognises competitive achievements, personal development, inspiring comebacks, charity work, and awareness-raising.

Dan faced stiff competition from Success Eduan (athletics), Erin McNeice (climbing) and Callum Russell (para-cycling) for May’s prize and expressed his pride at being acknowledged by his fellow elite athletes.

“Winning the Athletes’ Athlete of the Month award is a real privilege,” he added.

“It's great to get the recognition from your small circle of your family and friends, but to be recognised by your peers and your equals is extra special.

“I am lucky to have quite a few friends who are on the Olympic and Paralympic programmes and for them to take the time to vote for me is a massive privilege.

“Thank you very much to everyone who did vote and to the British Elite Athletes Association as well.”

Congratulations to Dan for winning and to Success, Erin and Callum 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.