Sad reveal as Aussie gold medallist withdraws from Paralympics

Australian tennis star Heath Davidson has withdrawn from the Paralympic Games on the eve of the event.
Davidson posted to Instagram to announce the news on Monday night.
“I have the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2024 Paralympics,” he wrote.
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“My mum has been admitted into palliative care and I want to be here at home with her during this time.”
Davidson, 37 from the Mornington Peninsula, was set to compete at his third Paralympics.
Heath Davidson of Australia. Getty
He won a gold medal alongside Dylan Alcott in men’s doubles in 2016, and they won silver together in 2020.
Aussie legend Alcott has since retired and will instead commentate in Paris for the Nine Network.
Watch every moment, every medal of the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 live and free on Channel 9, 9Gem and 9Now. Plus, every event streaming ad free, live and on demand with 4K on Stan Sport.
Australia will be represented in men’s doubles in Paris by Ben Weekes and Anderson Parker.
“Heath is a much-loved member of the Australian Paralympic Team,” Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin said.
“He adds spark to the village with his quick wit and cheery personality.
“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.”
The opening ceremony is Thursday morning AEST.
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