Mahoney competes in the LTA category, which is for paddlers with a disability who have functional use of their legs, trunk and arms so apply force to the footboard or seat to propel the boat.

Mahoney claimed the 2011 world title in the V1 LTA category in August this year at the 2011 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Szeged, Hungary after a stunning display that saw him dominate his rivals in the biggest event in the sport this year.

Mahoney was nominated alongside, Fernando Fernandes of Brazil, Sandra Truccolo of Italy, Julian Serban of Romania, Christine Gauthier and Christine Selinger of Canada, and Hungarian duo Katalin Kajdai and Sándor Szabó.

Voting was conducted on the ICF Facebook page and was based largely on results and achievements from the World Championships.

It was the first time the international media was invited to cast their vote and Mahoney admitted he was delighted with the prestigious award.

"The most enjoyable aspect of my canoeing is that it's you versus Mother Nature and the elements," Mahoney said.

"The passion for the sport within the club is infectious and as the only adaptive paddler I can't praise my fellow members and coach enough for all of their assistance, perseverance and the sharing of my passion with the sport."


Mahoney's introduction to canoeing started at the outrigger canoe racing out on Hamilton Island, Australia in 1984.

He immediately fell in love with the sport and since 2003 he has been a member of Outrigger Canoe United Kingdom (OCUK).

Many years of dedication and perseverance have paid off for him, as he is now a key member of the GB paracanoe squad, as well as world champion.

Mahoney is now focused on retaining his world title next year, while having one eye on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games when the sport will make its debut on the programme.

"With winter training schedules being put in place, the objective is to be in Poznań next year to defend my title," he said.

"The Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016 are not in the distant future and I want to be at my best and be there.

"It's a shame that paracanoeing didn't get tendered for the London 2012 Games as it would have been a massive experience to represent the home nation on my own turf.

"But Rio 2016 will come around quick enough and we will be ready."

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