Invacare-sponsored wheelchair racer Ernst Van Dyk has been named the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability for a memorable season that included a sixth consecutive win at the Boston Marathon last April.

Van Dyk, who has been a member of Team Invacare since 1998, has also won wheelchair racing marathons in Paris, New York and Los Angeles in 2006. He currently holds three world records, and has won short-distance titles in addition to marathons.

The Laureus awards recognize top athletic achievements across the world. Other 2006 winners include Roger Federer (tennis) and the Renault team (Formula One auto racing).