Faye, who won her fourth paratriathlon world title in a row after sitting out most of the year studying for her University of Brighton finals, was recognised for achieving international success.
She collected her trophy at the 11th annual Sussex Sports Awards, held at Brighton's Grand Hotel and hosted by Active Sussex, which is one of 49 County Sports Partnerships in England and is largely funded by the government to coordinate and facilitate the delivery of sport and physical activity initiatives.
Faye, who also holds European and national titles, only took up the sport in 2009 and began her international career by winning the 2010 European Championships. Faye also won the 2012 TR1-4 World Aquathlon title in New Zealand. Her most recent victory was the defence of her title at the ITU Para-triathlon World Championships in Hyde Park in September 2013, when she took the gold in the Tri-4 category.
Her citation added: "Paratriathlon has been selected as a Paralympic event in Rio and hopes are high that Faye, as a member of Team GB, can continue her golden streak."
Faye, who combined her studies in physiotherapy with paratriathlon events, discovered paratriathlons in 2009 while attempting to regain some former fitness after returning from a year of travelling overseas. Faye didn't have a sporty upbringing but was always very active and enjoyed keeping fit. Between the years of 2005-2007, she started to take part in some charity runs and able-bodied sprint triathlons whilst working as a fitness instructor.
Faye McClelland (left) at the awards night with Sarah Hogg, the University of Brighton's Director of Sport and Recreation