Hext to Skip Paris 2024 Olympics Due to Medical Counsel

Para-Swimming World Champion Suzanna Hext Withdrawn from Paris Paralympics on Medical Advice

Para-swimming world champion Suzanna Hext has been withdrawn from the Paris Paralympics on medical advice. The 35-year-old athlete from Wiltshire, originally from Cornwall, was scheduled to compete in the S5 100m freestyle heats on Friday morning, an event in which she secured a silver medal at last year’s World Championships.

Shortly after her absence from the race was noted, ParalympicsGB confirmed her withdrawal. "Following consultation between the ParalympicsGB and Aquatics GB medical teams, Suzanna Hext has been withdrawn from competition in Paris," stated a representative from ParalympicsGB. "We are, of course, disappointed for Suzanna, who has worked tirelessly to reach this stage. Athlete welfare is of utmost importance, and we continue to provide support to all team members during and beyond their Games experience."

Hext transitioned to Para-sport after a riding accident in 2012 left her paralyzed. She previously had to withdraw from the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 after experiencing multiple asthma attacks that led to her falling unconscious and requiring hospital treatment. Hext also missed the 2022 World Championships in Madeira due to sepsis developed at a training camp. 

However, she made a remarkable comeback last year, spending five days in the hospital for an infection before clinching a silver medal in the 100m and a gold in the 50m at the World Championships in Manchester.