Samoa boxing coach dies ahead of Paris Games opening ceremony
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Samoa athletes aboard a boat in the floating parade on the river Seine during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on July 26, 2024.
PHOTO: REUTERS
PARIS - Samoa's boxing coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito has died during the Paris Olympics, the International Boxing Association said on Saturday.
According to reports in Samoan media, he died on Friday while at the Olympic Village.
"We at the 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 Paris 2024," 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."
Heavyweight Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali is the only Samoan boxer competing at the Paris Olympics. The two-times Pacific Games champion will face Belgium's Victor Schelstraete on Sunday.
The Olympic boxing competition takes place at the North Paris Arena and Roland Garros from July 27 to Aug. 10. REUTERS
