A two-time world champion sailor and Olympic hopeful from Kent has been diagnosed with cancer.

Following medical tests it has been confirmed that Elliot Willis - the British Sailing Team’s 470 Olympic campaigner - has bowel cancer.

The 32-year-old campaigns alongside 2012 silver medallist, Luke Patience. The world number two-ranked pair were among the first athletes in any sport to be selected to represent Team GB in the Rio 2016 Olympics.

But following his diagnosis, Mr Willis has announced he will take time out from training to undergo treatment.

A statement released by the Royal Yachting association said an appropriate course of treatment is currently being determined for the sailor, who lives in Sevenoaks.

The longer term impact on his and Patience’s 470 campaign for Rio will be assessed in due course depending on the treatment recommended by medical professionals.

In a statement Mr Willis said: “Clearly it’s pretty shocking news to receive, as I’m sure anyone who’s been affected by a similar thing would understand.

“It’s still my dream to win Olympic gold but right now my focus and energy needs to be on getting better.My health is my number one concern and I will take advice and recommendations of the medical professionals as they establish the right course of treatment for me.”

“It’s still my dream to win Olympic gold but right now my focus and energy needs to be on getting better" - Elliot Willis

RYA Olympic Manager Stephen Park added: "This is obviously bitterly disappointing news for Elliot, as it clearly could impact on his ability to compete at his first Olympic Games. Our overriding priority is that he receives the right and appropriate levels of treatment for the condition to ensure the fullest chance of recovery, and we will offer him every support we can in this regard.

“The British Sailing Team is a close-knit family and all our thoughts are with Elliot for a speedy recovery.

“Elliot and Luke have made great progress to date in their campaign towards Rio – we are conscious of the need to keep that momentum going as far as possible. While we will need to work with Luke to find another crew for him to sail with for the time being, we hope Elliot can still be involved should his recovery allow.”

Mr Patience said:

“I’m gutted for Elliot. Everything else takes a back seat when something like this happens. Elliot absolutely needs to do what’s best for him and I’ll support him in whatever way I can.

“Inevitably he will need to take some time out of the boat so we will discuss the best approach to keeping the campaign moving forward and take some decisions on that front when we know more.”