Photo by Getty Images

Steve Cook, shown celebrating the first of his two gold-medal victories at the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games, was selected as the U.S. Olympic Committee's Male Athlete of the Month.

A four-time Paralympian, the 37-year-old Cook (Salt Lake City, Utah) won three medals at the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games. He won a gold medal in the men's 5km freestyle, another gold medal in the men's 10km classic and a bronze medal in the men's 20km classic. Cook's gold medals were the first for a U.S. Paralympic Nordic skier at the Games in 14 years.

The U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team earned a place in the bronze-medal match against Team Germany at the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games. With the score tied 3-3, Taylor Chace (Hampton Falls, N.H.) knocked a rebound into the open side of the net midway through the third period, giving the U.S. a 4-3 win and the bronze medal.

In the women's vote, second place went to World Cup and Paralympic champion mono-skier Laurie Stephens (Wehham, Mass.).  Stephens became a Paralympic star this March, leaving the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games as one of the most decorated athletes. She earned two golds and one silver, medaling in almost every alpine event. Her first gold came on March 12 in downhill. She won the second gold in the super G, as she took the lead by more than three seconds. Her third and final medal, a silver, was won in the giant slalom.

Results (first place votes in parentheses)

Men
1. Steve Cook 26 (5)
2. Andy Newell 17 (3)
3. Floyd Landis 15 (4)
Also receiving first-place votes: Jonathan Horton (Gymnastics), Mo Lawal (Freestyle Wrestling), Mark Lopez (Taekwondo), Ryan Reser (Judo)

Women
1. Kimmie Meissner 44 (12)
2. Laurie Stephens 32 (5)
3. Mandy Meloon 11 (0)
Also receiving first-place votes: Margie Engle (Equestrian)

Team
1. U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team 29 (5)
2. Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto 26 (5)
3. Debbie McCormick rink 25 (3)
Also receiving first-place votes: 2006 Senior National Team (Taekwondo)