Cameron Leslie has withdrawn from New Zealand's Paralympic team for family reasons ©Getty Images

Cameron Leslie, who was set to become the first New Zealander in 33 years to compete in more than one sport at a Paralympic Games having being named in both the swimming and wheelchair rugby squads for Tokyo 2020, has withdrawn for family reasons.

In a statement, Leslie said: "It has been a hard decision.

"My wife and I will be welcoming our second child into the world three weeks prior to the Paralympic Games.

"It was always going to be difficult to be away from them at that time.

"However, with current circumstances, I am very aware I would not be able to get home quickly should something happen that concerns me.

"Family means a lot to me, and it is an exciting time as our little family is growing."

Leslie, who has a quadruple limb deficiency, was poised to participate at his fourth successive Games after claiming swimming golds at Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016.

As well as looking to add to his medal haul in swimming, the 31-year-old was aiming to steer New Zealand to glory in wheelchair rugby after being selected in the eight-player squad.

Cameron Leslie, who was due to compete for New Zealand in wheelchair rugby and swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, has withdrawn for family reasons ©Getty Images
Cameron Leslie, who was due to compete for New Zealand in wheelchair rugby and swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, has withdrawn for family reasons ©Getty Images

Leslie had said it was a "huge honour to be selected to represent New Zealand in both Para swimming and wheelchair rugby" when the initially selection was announced.

In his latest statement Leslie added: "I have no intention of retiring or slowing down.

"The World Para Swimming Championships in Madeira and the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation Asia Oceania Wheelchair Rugby Zonal Championships in New Zealand next year excite me.

"It will be an easier time for us as a family and hopefully for everyone globally things will have improved."

Fiona Allan, chief executive of Paralympics New Zealand, said the organizsation "fully support him [Leslie] in this decision".

"We are excited for the birth of his second child and fully appreciate his commitment to his family," Allan added.

"We look forward to Cam continuing his sporting career and wish him well at this time."

The Wheel Blacks have not named a replacement for Leslie at this stage, saying Leslie had made "an easy decision to put family first but it takes courage to put it into action".