Samoa Boxing Coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito Dies at Paris Olympics
2024-07-27 15:49- Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the national boxing coach of Samoa, died at the age of 60 while at the Olympic Village during the Paris Olympics.
- His death was attributed to cardiac arrest, as confirmed by the International Boxing Association.
- The news has shocked the sports community, with condolences expressed for his family and colleagues.
Express your sentiment!
Insights
PARIS – Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the national boxing coach of Samoa, has tragically passed away during the Paris 2024 Olympics, as confirmed by the International Boxing Association (IBA) on Saturday. Reports indicate that Fatupaito, 60, suffered a cardiac arrest while at the Olympic Village on Friday. The IBA expressed its condolences, highlighting Fatupaito's dedication to the sport and his lasting impact on the boxing community. The Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) also released a statement mourning the loss of Fatupaito, who was recognized as one of Samoa’s top boxing coaches. Samoa NOC president Pauga Talalelei Pauga emphasized Fatupaito's belief in the Olympic ideal and extended thoughts to his family, friends, and athletes. The coach's death has left a significant void in the Samoan sporting community. At the time of his passing, heavyweight boxer Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali was the only Samoan competitor at the Olympics, preparing to face Belgium's Victor Schelstraete. The boxing events are being held at the North Paris Arena and Roland Garros from July 27 to August 10. Emergency services reportedly treated Fatupaito at the Olympic Village, and his cause of death has been classified as "natural causes." The IBA reiterated its condolences, stating that Fatupaito's legacy would continue to inspire future generations of boxers.
Contexts
Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the esteemed boxing coach for Samoa, tragically passed away from a cardiac arrest at the age of 60 on July 27, 2024, at the Paris Olympic Village. His sudden death, confirmed by the International Boxing Association (IBA), has significantly impacted the Samoan boxing team's presence at the Games, especially affecting heavyweight boxer Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, the sole Samoan athlete competing. The IBA has extended its condolences, acknowledging the profound loss felt within the sports community, particularly by those whom Fatupaito had trained and inspired throughout his career.
