Tributes have been paid to surfer Arran Strong, after searches for the Briton who went missing off the coast of Portugal were called off. The Autoridade Maritima Nacional confirmed to BBC Sport that its search for the 28-year-old, which started soon after he went missing on Monday morning, was halted on Thursday. Strong, who lived in Portugal, had competed in the World Surf League for 10 years and represented Great Britain at each of the previous two World Surfing Games.

The AMN said it was alerted to Strong getting into difficulties in the water off the Atlantic coast in southern Portugal at 11.33 BST on Monday. His friend and coach, Jose Maria Pyrrait, was rescued by a local fishing boat but Strong disappeared while crossing from Monte Clerigo beach to Carrapateira. Pyrrait wrote on Instagram that they had stopped to drink water and take photos before Strong vanished in deep water with poor visibility.

GB Surfing described Strong as a "fantastic team-mate, respected competitor and a kind, generous presence." Tributes poured in from team-mates including performance coach Luke Dillon, eight-time British national champion Lucy Campbell, and fellow champion Alys Barton, who praised his infectious smile and encouragement of others.