China’s Yujie Li has been voted the International Paralympic Committee’s Allianz Athlete of the Month for February ©IPC

China’s Yujie Li has been voted the International Paralympic Committee’s Allianz Athlete of the Month for February after her impressive victory at the World Para Taekwondo Championships in Antalya in Turkey.

Li marked her debut at the event by claiming a surprise gold medal in the women’s up to 58 kilograms K44 division.

In what was her first international competition, she upset home favourite Gamze Gurdal and Mexico’s Jessica Garcia Quijano.

Those wins saw her advance to face Serbia’s Marija Micev, also appearing in her first international final, and secure top honours.

French Nordic skier Benjamin Daviet was second in the polls ©Getty Images
French Nordic skier Benjamin Daviet was second in the polls ©Getty Images

Li received 51 per cent of the public vote.

French Nordic skier Benjamin Daviet was second in the poll with 28 per cent.

Norwegian Nordic skier Vilde Nilsen finished third with 11 per cent, while Australian long jumper Vanessa Low and Ukrainian powerlifter Mariana Shevchuk came fourth and fifth respectively.

Li follows Dutch Alpine skier Jeroen Kampschreur in being named the IPC’s Allianz Athlete of the Month.