2024 Paris Olympics: Samoan boxing coach dies Friday in Olympic Village hours before Opening Ceremony
A Samoan boxing coach died on Friday at the Olympic Village in Paris.
Samoan coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito died Friday morning in France just hours before the Opening Ceremony that kicked off the 2024 Games in Paris. He was 60.
Fatupaito collapsed and experienced cardiac arrest in the village, according to The Telegraph. He died of “natural causes,” officials said.
“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 Games,” the IBA said in a statement. “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.”
Fatupaito was in France to help coach the one boxer, Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, Samoa sent to the Games. Plodzicki-Faoagali is set to open his 92-kilogram competition Sunday against Belgium’s Victor Schelstraete. The 25-year-old, who was born in Australia, is competing in his second Games.
“[We are] deeply saddened to learn of the death of a member of the Samoan delegation,” the Paris organizing committee said in a statement, via The Associated Press. “Our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones and his delegation.”
