Samoan boxing coach dies at the 2024 Paris Olympic Village
A tragic news came out of the Paris 2024 Olympics with the death of the Samoan boxing coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito, who died at the Olympics Village in Saint-Denis on Friday (July 26). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the 60-year-old died of natural causes.
Fatupaito was the coach of heavyweight boxer Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, who is the lone Samoan boxer competing in Paris. Fatupaito died during the early hours of Friday.
In a statement, the IOC expressed their condolences and paid respects to the late Samoan boxing coach. The International Boxing Association (IBA) also released a statement, hailing the dedication of Lionel Elika Fatupaito.
"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," the IBA said in a statement (via Reuters).
Talalelei Pauga, the president of the Samoan Olympic body, also paid tribute to the Samoan boxing coach and hailed him for his services.
"Lionel was one of Samoa's top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal," Pauga said (via The Independent).
"No words can express how I feel but rest in love coach Lionel": Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali remembers the late Samoan boxing coach
It would not be easy for the 25-year-old Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali to deal with the loss of his coach ahead of his participation at the Paris Olympics 2024. The pugilist who is competing in his second Summer Games took to Instagram to share a picture with the coach in a heart-wrenching post.
“No words can express how I feel but rest in love coach Lionel. Our last photo together before you passed yesterday Grand Master.” Ato captioned the picture in the post.
Ato Plodzicki will start his campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics with his round-of-16 boxing match on Monday (July 29). The pugilist will compete in the 92kg category when he goes up against Belgium’s Victor Schelstraete.