03 January 2023 , 15:25
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Former Paralympic athlete and revered coach Anthony Hughes MBE has died unexpectedly aged 63.
Hughes competed in the shot put and javelin in the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona during his time as an athlete and even held a world record in 1994 in the shot event.
But Hughes became most renowned for his role in transforming the fortunes of para-athletes in his later career in performance management.
Hughes has been credited for spearheading the success of Welsh inclusive and Para-sport in his role as performance manager at Disability Sport Wales.
He joined Disability Sport Wales in 1999 and was recognised for his incredible achievements inspiring change and guiding athletes to Paralympic glory as he was inducted into the UK Coaching Hall of Fame in 2012 and made an MBE a year later for his services to sport.
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Tributes have been pouring in for Hughes after Disability Sport Wales sadly confirmed he passed away on Friday December 30.
The organisation tweeted: "Ant was a loving father and brother, our Performance Manager, friend, colleague, athlete, coach, and an absolute advocate, champion and ambassador for disability sport in Wales and across the world. His reach and impact was unsurpassed.
"His determination to ensure everyone achieved their potential through opportunity and equity was unparalleled, and made a difference to so many hundreds and thousands of lives.
"There are no words to express the loss, sadness and disbelief this news brings. Ant will be missed always, but we will continue to fight for the legacy he so believed in - a Wales where sport has equity at its heart and everyone has the right to achieve their potential."
Hughes was a key figure in nurturing young Welsh sporting talent, notably helping the likes of Aled Sion Davies, Josie Pearson and Hollie Arnold realise their gold medal dreams at the Paralympics.
Retired Welsh Paralympic athlete Stephen Morris wrote: "I am devastated this wonderful man has passed away... Thank you for being a great friend to me. RIP Ant."
Another user added: "Tragic news. A loyal servant of Welsh and British sport. A friend to so many and inspiration to many more. What a legacy."