Bleakley, coach of the US' track and field squad, helped the team win 13 medals at the 2013 International Paralympic Committee Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France.

He was named Paralympic National Coach of the Year by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) at its National Coaches of the Year awards.

The coach, from Champaign, Illinois, is a four-time Paralympian.

As head coach for the University of Illinois wheelchair track and field programme, Bleakney played a key role in developing world champions Tatyana McFadden and Raymond Martin.

McFadden led the US medal haul with six gold medals at last year's Athletics World Championships.

Martin won five world titles.

Bleakley coached a total nine athletes on the US team at the Championships.

He was picked ahead of finalists Angie Bengtsson, who coaches table tennis and Brett Wolf, who coaches judo.

Alan Ashley, USOC chief of sport performance, said: "It's an honour to recognise these coaches for their impact on countless athletes from around the country.

"Their tireless efforts and dedication to helping athletes strive for excellence is an inspiration to all."

National Governing Bodies selected their 2013 Coaches of the Year as part of the USOC Coach of the Year Recognition Programme.

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