Paris Olympics 2024: Samoa's boxing coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito dies at Olympics village
Paris Olympics 2024
Lionel Elika Fatupaito, Samoa's national boxing coach, died after suffering a cardiac arrest at the Olympic Village during the ongoing Paris Games 2024 on Friday (Jul 26). The news was confirmed by the International Boxing Association (IBA) in a statement released on Saturday (Jul 27).
"We at the International Boxing Association (IBA) extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the national boxing coach of Samoa, who tragically passed away during the Paris 2024," read the statement.
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"Lionel’s dedication and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark on the boxing community. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected by this profound loss," it further read.
The Samoan Olympic committee alsoissued a statement afterthe death of the 60-year-old coach, while the athletes offered a prayer before the Paris Olympic Games 2024 opening ceremony.
"Lionel was one of Samoa's top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal. Our thoughts and those of the entire Samoan sporting community are with Lionel's family, his boxers and friends. He will be greatly missed," read the committee statement.
