Paralympic champion Allysa Seely won the women's prize ©Getty Images

USA Triathlon has named Allysa Seely and Chris Hammer as their Elite Paratriathletes of the Year for 2019.

Both have been recognised after their "standout" performances on the world stage last season.

Reigning Paralympic champion Seely won gold at the first three International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Paratriathlon Series events of the year, in Milan, Yokohama and Montreal.

The PTS2 athlete recorded the fastest run split at all three events and went on to win silver at the ITU Paratriathlon World Championships in Lausanne.

That achievement took her World Championship medal collection up to five, with three golds included in that number.

"To be recognised as athlete of the year for the excellence I have sought to achieve is nothing short of incredible for me," Seely said. 

"With the Tokyo Paralympics on the horizon, 2020 is a big year. 

"All of my focus has shifted to be the strongest and most prepared athlete I can be on August 29. 

"I know if I can do just that, I have a chance at accomplishing my goal of defending my gold medal from 2016 and standing on top of the podium for the USA once again."

Hammer won bronze at the World Championships in the men's PTS5 class, improving on his seventh place from 2018 after recording the fastest run.

Chris Hammer scooped the men's prize ©Getty Images
Chris Hammer scooped the men's prize ©Getty Images

He won the ITU Paratriathlon World Cup in Magog as well as finishing second in Yokohama.

At the start of the year, he finished third at the Paratriathlon American Championships in Sarasota-Bradenton.

"It's a huge honour, especially considering how fast and successful the other US male Paratriathletes were in 2019, such as Aaron Scheidies and Jamie Brown," Hammer said. 

"I'm really just thankful that USA Triathlon has given me the opportunity to travel and represent our country. 

"I wouldn't have won this award if it weren't for the time, energy and resources that USA Triathlon has invested in me."

Both awards were presented alongside Wahoo Fitness.

There was also recognition for Joshua Sweeney and Nicole Ver Kuilen, who were named Paratriathlon Development Athletes of the Year.

USA Triathlon recently announced that the first prize fund for an elite ITU Paratriathlon World Cup race will be awarded at Sarasota-Bradenton next month.