Leading the contenders is Brazilian swimming ace Daniel Dias (pictured top), winner of a remarkable six gold medals during this summer's Games.

The 19-times Parapan American Games gold medallist, who also won nine medals including four golds, four silvers, and one bronze at Beijing 2008, is now the most decorated Brazilian Paralympian of all time, and will be his country's leading hope when it hosts the next Games in Rio de Janeiro in four years' time.

S5 swimmer Dias claimed his London 2012 titles in the 50 metres backstroke, 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 100m freestyle and 200m freestyle.

Another swimmer, Australia's Matthew Cowdrey is also in contention for the title after becoming Australia's most successful ever Paralympian this summer.

Cowdrey won eight medals including five golds in the S9 50m freestyle, 100m backstroke, 100m freestyle, 200m individual medley and 4x100m freestyle relay.

They are up against Britain's David Weir, who claimed a phenomenal quartet of gold medals during the Games on his home turf.

David Weir won four gold medals at his home Paralympic Games this summer

He won the men's 800m, 1,500m and 5,000m races, before claiming the T54 marathon crown.

Alex Zanardi, the former Formula 1 driver, captivated the crowds at London 2012 as the Italian won two gold medals and a silver in the road cycling at Brands Hatch.

Ireland's Jason Smyth also lived up to his pre-Games billing as he set world records in both of his sprint events.

His times of 10.46 seconds and 21.05sec in the T13 100m and 200m races won him two gold medals and made him the world's fastest Paralympian once again.

The final contender for the award is Japan's Shingo Kunieda, who won the men's singles at Eton Manor in the wheelchair tennis event.

Shingo Kunieda celebrates his London 2012 victory over Stéphane Houdet

He defended his title against France's Stéphane Houdet in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, despite having to overcome a serious injury since his Beijing success four years ago.

The public has until midday on October 2 to vote for the athlete they think is worthy of the award at www.paralympic.org.

The IPC is combining August and September's awards to honour more athletes for their Paralympic performances.

There will also be shortlists announced for the Female Athlete of the Month and Team awards.

The contenders have been nominated by National Paralympic Committees and International Sport Federations.

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