Swimmer Hext to miss Paris 2024 on medical advice

Para-swimming world champion Suzanna Hext is out of the Paris Paralympics on medical advice.

The 35-year-old from Wiltshire was due to take part in Friday morning's heats of the S5 100m freestyle - an event in which she won World Championship silver last year.

But she did not appear for her race and shortly after, ParalympicsGB confirmed she would miss the Games.

"Following consultation between the ParalympicsGB and Aquatics GB medical teams, Suzanna Hext has been withdrawn from competition in Paris," said ParalympicsGB.

"We are of course disappointed for Suzanna who has worked so hard to get to Paris.

"Athlete welfare is held with the highest degree of importance and ongoing support is provided to all team members during and beyond their Games experience."

Hext came to Para-sport after being left paralysed by a riding accident in 2012.

She had to withdraw from the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 after two of her four scheduled events when a series of asthma attacks led to her falling unconscious and twice needing treatment in hospital.

She missed the 2022 Worlds in Madeira after developing sepsis at a training camp and before last year's Worlds in Manchester she spent five days in hospital with an infection before going on to win 100m silver and 50m gold.