Geoff Huegill pulls out of sailing race after mystery virus

Geoff Huegill's sailing career has been cut short.

The Australian swimming champion, who was scheduled to take part in the celebrity Audi Hamilton Island race week, has had to drop out of the event after coming down with a mystery virus last Friday.

A source told The Daily Telegraph: "He's quite sick. His health is paramount in the lead up to London [the 2012 Olympics]."

Huegill was due to stay at the island's six-star resort Qualia with his wife Sara and has now been ordered to rest by doctors. The Huegills recently announced their first pregnancy, only three months after marrying in a private Balinese wedding ceremony.

X Factor judge and former Neighbours star Natalie Bassingthwaighte was also forced to pull out of the competition at the last minute for unknown reasons.

Other celebrities due to be taking part in the race include retired surfer Layne Beachley, breakfast TV star Larry Emdur and former Miss Universe Australia Rachael Finch, who recently announced her engagement to her former Dancing with the Stars partner Michael Miziner.