LUKE Patience has expressed his shock at the news that 470 sailing partner Elliot Willis is battling bowel cancer.

Weymouth-based London 2012 silver medallist Patience and Willis were among the first athletes in any sport to be selected by Team GB for next year’s Rio Olympics.

An appropriate course of treatment is currently being determined for Willis, with the 32-year-old inevitably set to take time out from sailing.

The long-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.

“I’m gutted for Elliot,” said Patience. “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.”

Willis added: “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.”