The Russian won almost half the votes following his superb performances in Cable and Minneapolis.

So far this season the 33-year-old has taken 11 gold medals – six in cross country and five in biathlon.

"It is very nice to win Athlete of the Month and at the same time it is a responsibility," he said.

"It is good that people keep up with our performances, it redoubles our forces.

"I will try to get the same result, but sport is sport."

Petushkov began his sit skiing career six years ago after losing his legs in a car crash, before making his Paralympic Games debut in Vancouver in 2010.

He beat French alpine skier Marie Bochet into second place in the Athlete of the Month awards.

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