Paris Olympics: Tragedy strikes as boxing coach passes away
The 2024 Olympic Games have been overshadowed by tragedy with the sudden death of Samoa’s boxing coach, Lionel Elika Fatupaito. The 60-year-old coach suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away in the Olympic village.
The loss has deeply affected the Samoan community and the athletes, who are mourning the passing of a respected figure in their sporting world.
The Samoan Olympic Committee confirmed the sad news, and President Pauga Talalelei Pauga expressed condolences, stating, “Lionel was one of Samoa’s top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal. Our thoughts are with Lionel’s family, his boxers, and friends. He will be greatly missed.”
Fatupaito’s death occurred on Friday morning, coinciding with the commencement of the Olympics. In honor of their late coach, the Samoan athletes gathered for a team prayer, showing respect and unity in their grief.
The Samoan National Olympic Committee has requested privacy for Fatupaito’s family and the athletes during this difficult time and has indicated that no further comments will be made regarding the situation.
Despite this profound loss, Samoa’s Olympic journey continues. Boxer Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, the top seed in the men’s heavyweight 92kg category, is set to compete against Belgium’s Victor Schelstraete in the round of 16. The Samoan delegation, comprising 24 athletes across nine sports, will carry the memory of their late coach into their performances.
