Kiwi track cyclist Ben Westenberg has had to withdraw from the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games due the ongoing effects of a concussion which have left him unable to "compete safely" in his events on Friday.
The 19-year-old was involved in a crash at the final team training session in Switzerland prior to leaving for the Games.
Since arriving at the Village last Friday, Westenberg has been monitored under concussion protocols with support from medical staff.
"While Ben has been recovering well, further tests this week have shown that he has not progressed to the stage where he would be able to compete safely when his events get underway on Friday," said the NZ Paralympic Team in a statement.
"Following discussions with Ben, it has been decided to withdraw him from competition and the NZ Paralympic Team will officially inform the UCI of his withdrawal."
Westenberg had been scheduled to make his Paralympic debut on the track in the Men's C4-5 1000m Time Trial and the Men's C4 4000m Individual Pursuit.
NZ Paralympic Team chef de mission Raylene Bates said the priority was the health and safety of Ben in this "difficult situation".
"The medical team has worked really hard this week to aid Ben’s recovery – but unfortunately the decision had to be made to withdraw him from competition.
"Ben has been going really well and we are all hugely disappointed he won’t make his Paralympic debut at Paris 2024, but we are confident he will be back."
Watch the Paralympics live on TVNZ+ and TVNZ1 from August 29-September 9.
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