An Arborfield Olympic athlete has died at the age of 25.
Boccia athlete Will Arnott, who represented ParalympicsGB for the first time at Paris 2024, has passed away, according to a statement from ParalympicsGB and Boccia UK.
Will made his Paralympic debut in Paris earlier this year, competing in the BC3 Singles and Pairs events.
Boccia is a game similar to boules. It is played by athletes who have the most profound disabilities within the Paralympic movement.
The statement noted he was a formidable BC3 Boccia player, and that his determination saw him rise in the world rankings to the number seven spot by the close of the 2024 season.
His coach Glynn Tromans said: “Will was loved all around the world, and had a positive impact on people wherever he went.
“I started working with him in 2018, alongside his former coach Barry Bowden.
“It was clear from the beginning that Will was a special human being and was going to be a great player.
“My memories are of Will playing cards; chatting away after everybody else has gone to bed; winning the Christmas quiz just last week; making friends around the world; as well as being a tough sportsman and a fierce competitor.
“So many people will be so sad at this news because, fundamentally, he was not just a great player, he was a great guy.
“He will be truly missed.”
Greg Baker, Boccia performance director, said: “It’s hard to comprehend the loss of Will and the sadness we all feel and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
“Will touched so many lives with his passion, determination and cheery character.
“He was an absolute pleasure to work with, a fighter on the court and was always reflecting and analysing as to how he could improve.
“Just a couple of weeks ago, Will was talking through his plans for the Los Angeles Paralympic cycle and had dreams to compete in Brisbane in 2032.
“A dream that came true for Will was being able to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with his family all watching and cheering him on.”
Penny Briscoe, ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission at Paris 2024, said: “Will was a highly valued member of the ParalympicsGB team that delighted and inspired so many people with countless memorable performances at Paris 2024.
“I was thrilled to see this young man make his Paralympic debut at Paris 2024, and throughout his time there he exemplified the values we have as a team.
“My thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates at this desperately sad time.”
