Gregg Stevenson shortlisted for BEAA Athlete of the Year 2023 Award

The PR2 Mixed Double Sculls World Champion is one of 12 athletes nominated by their peers in the British Elite Athletes Association, the representative body for elite British athletes across over 40 sports

All athletes currently or previously funded to train via the World Class Programme were able to nominate an elite athlete for the award. These nominations were then shortlisted to 12 by BEAA CEO Anna Watkins OLY.

It’s been a year to be proud of for elite British sport, with athletes excelling in and out of competition, breaking new records, overcoming personal adversity, and using their positions to better the sporting world. Nominations were made not just for competitive success, but also for those athletes who supported or inspired others in elite sport throughout the year.

The other athletes on the men’s shortlist are: Joe Clarke (canoeing), Chris Hunt Skelley (para-judo), Shah Rashid (wheelchair fencing), Matt Richards (swimming) and Bradly Sinden (taekwondo).

The women’s is: Fran Brown (para-cycling), Emma Finucane (cycling), Jessica Gadirova (gymnastics), Beth Potter (triathlon), Lucy Renshall (judo) and Maisie Summers-Newton (para-swimming).

Gregg only joined the GB Para-Rowing Team in 2023 but won the PR2 Mixed Double Sculls with Lauren Rowles at the 2023 European Rowing Championships in his first international regatta.

The pair then became World Champions only a year after partnering, with Lauren tempting Gregg back to the sport he had previously left behind in 2016. When he returned he balanced training and competition with existing work commitments, studying for a master’s degree, and having two young children.

His nominator said: “His personality and attitude towards training are infectious and I think he has been a breath of fresh air.”

What happens next?

The Athletes’ Athlete of the Year award is voted for by BEAA members past and present, elite British athletes currently or formerly in receipt of World Class Programme funding. Roughly 1,100 current athletes are eligible to vote, with over 300 former athletes contacted. Current athletes are voting over email, while former athletes can get involved via the BEAA Alumni app.

The winners will receive personalised trophies on behalf of the BEAA and its members past and present, with confirmation in the new year.