Heath Davidson withdraws from Paralympics to be with dying mother

Paralympic tennis gold medallist Heath Davidson has withdrawn on the eve of the Games to be with his dying mother.

Paralympic gold medal winner Heath Davidson has withdrawn from the Paris Games. Picture: AAP Image/Sport the Library, Courtney Crow

Former Paralympic gold medallist Heath Davidson has withdrawn from the Australian team in Paris due to personal reasons.

The 37-year-old from the Mornington Peninsula announced on Monday night he would not make the trip to the French capital as he will spend time with his mother who has been moved into palliative care.

This was set to be Davidson’s third Paralympics having won gold in the wheelchair tennis doubles alongside Dylan Alcott at 2016.

The pair then backed it up with a silver medal in Tokyo.

Davidson, who is currently ranked seventh in the world, was set to compete in the quad singles draw.

“I’ve made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2024 Paralympics,” he wrote on social media.

“My Mum has been admitted into palliative care and I want to be here at home with her during this time.”

Dylan Alcott and Heath Davidson won gold at the 2016 Paralympic Games. Picture: Sport the library / Courtney Crow

The Australian team was quick to throw their support behind Davidson.

“Heath is a much-loved member of the Australian Paralympic Team. He adds spark to the Village with his quick wit and cheery personality,” Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin said.

“We’ll miss having him here in Paris, but we all understand that family comes first and we know he’s made the right decision for himself and his family.

“We want Heath to know that every member of the team is wrapping their arms around him virtually from Paris.”

Australia will be represented by six-time Paralympian Ben Weekes and debutant Anderson Parker.

Originally published as Heath Davidson withdraws from Paralympics to be with dying mother