SAD news this morning from Paris as ParalympicsGB have confirmed Calne-based Para-swimming world champion Suzanna Hext has had to withdraw from the Games on medical advice.
Suzanna was due to take part in this morning's heats of the S5 100m freestyle, but she did not race and ParalympicsGB have since confirmed she will miss the Games.
A spokesperson for ParalympicsGB has said: "Following consultation between the ParalympicsGB and Aquatics GB medical teams, Suzanna Hext has been withdrawn from competition in Paris.
"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."
Suzanna's coach Rich Smith told us: "Unfortunately Suz suffered a concussion in training on Wednesday we hoped she’d be able to swim but the medical team made the right decision for her this morning. She’s worked so hard I’m so proud of her she’s an inspiration to us all.
"I’m very proud of her, the work and commitment she puts in. She has pushed me to be a better coach and pushes the swimmer at Tigersharks ASC and across the county to be better swimmers and role models for all."
Suzanna is a World and European medalist Paralympian swimmer and accomplished equestrian, who was paralysed after a riding accident in 2012.
In 2019 she burst on to the scene of British Para-Swimming claiming a pair of medals at her debut World Para Swimming Championships.
The following year saw her debut Paralympics appearance at Tokyo 2020, where she reached two individual finals in the Women's S5 100m and 200m Freestyle, placing fourth in both.
She had to withdraw from the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 after two of her four scheduled events due to illness requiring hospital treatment. In 2022 Suzanna missed the 2022 Worlds in Madeira after developing sepsis at a training camp. At 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.
We can only imagine how disappointed Suzanna must be and we wish her a speedy recovery - Calne is still very proud of her!
On Saturday 31st August Suzanna took to Instagram to share her feelings:
'Nothing makes sense right now. It feels like I’ve just woken up from a bad dream, and hurts so badly. I’m absolutely heart broken, devastated, empty, angry, and just questioning ‘why me’…
Following an accident earlier in the week during training I was taken to hospital with a bad concussion. I had prayed that by Friday I’d be able to race and put my best foot forward. Sadly after warming up it wasn’t safe enough for me to race and the heartbreaking decision was made by the medical team to withdraw me.
I want the world to swallow me up. I don’t even know how to move forward at this point. All I know is that I’m as strong as they come and I CAN and WILL get back from this. However, at the moment nothing makes sense. I’m just questioning why it had to happen to me…
I wanted to come out here and show the world what I’ve worked so damn hard for. I wanted to race so, so badly. It hurts so much right now.
The biggest thank you to the staff and athletes at @aquatics_gb and @paralympicsgb_official for all your support and in particular our incredible team doctor for forever going above and beyond.
I will need some time to process what’s happened. So apologies if I don’t reply.
Please know I appreciate all your love and support. I’m just so sorry I couldn’t go out there and do my thing.
Life doesn’t seem fair sometimes, but with everyone beside me I know I can get through this like I always do.
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