He picked up exactly one third of the public vote after causing an upset at the International Blind Sports Federation Judo World Championships in Colorado Springs, when he won the under 81kg category.

The 27-year-old, competing in an unfamiliar weight division, beat Ukrainian Paralympic champion from London 2012, Olexsandr Kosinov in the final.

Sanchez was one of seven athletes nominated for their impressive exploits last month.

Second in the vote was wheelchair tennis players Yui Kamiji of Japan and Great Britain's Jordanne Whiley, with 21 per cent.

They became the first non-Dutch athletes to complete a clean sweep of the Grand Slam doubles titles with victory at the US Open.

Third place went to Hong Kong's Leung Yuk Wing, with 16 per cent, after he won two gold medals at the Boccia World Championships in Beijing, China.

Sanchez won Paralympic gold at Beijing 2008 in the under 73kg category, and came away with bronze four years later at London 2012.

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