2nd January 2023

UKA STATEMENT - ANTHONY HUGHES

UK Athletics are deeply saddened to learn the news of Anthony Hughes’ passing.

Anthony Hughes MBE competed for Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona in the shot put and javelin events, and secured world championship silver in 1990.

Following retirement, Hughes moved into coaching, and in 1999 he joined Disability Sport Wales and helped to develop the system which saw a huge growth in Welsh participation in disabled sport. In recent times he has held the role of National Performance Manager at DSW.

During his coaching career, Hughes guided some of the biggest names in para sport, including Aled Davies, Hollie Arnold and Josie Pearson, to global titles and medals at major Championships and Games.

Following the highly successful Paralympic Games in London 2012, Hughes received an MBE for his services to the sport. He was also named Sport Wales Coach of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the UK Coaching Hall of Fame in 2012.

Hughes was also a key member of Great Britain and Northern Ireland team staff for several Championships and Games across Paralympic sport.

UK Athletics CEO, Jack Buckner said, “Our thoughts are very much with Anthony’s family and friends during this difficult time. Anthony was a hugely popular and respected figure in the sport, and his passing is a big loss to the athletics community in the UK.”