Ablinger, a hand cyclist, won Austria's sole gold medal at this year's Paralympics.

He clinched H3 time trial gold as well as H3 road race bronze, and won the men's impairment category at the Athlete of the Year gala.

The 52-year-old was hospitalised following a crash post-Games, breaking six ribs, and is yet to commit to competing at Paris 2024.

"I'm particularly happy about this award, it is the icing on the cake of a great season," Ablinger said.

"It is extremely important that we are honored on this stage and that our successes receive more attention. 

"We will never earn as much as David Alaba or Marcel Hirscher, but it would be nice if we could at least get closer."

Fellow Tokyo 2020 medallists Thomas Frühwirth and Pepo Puch were also on the men's shortlist.

Edlinger saw off competition from Natalija Eder and Janina Falk to win the women's honour.

Edlinger - who has a visual impairment - won a fourth Para Nordic Skiing World Cup crystal globe this year.

Eder won F13 javelin and F12 shot put bronze medals at the Paralympics, while Falk competed in the swimming pool at Tokyo 2020.