Coach of Samoa’s boxing team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Lionel Elika Fatupaito, has passed away in the Olympic Village.
The 60-year-old died on Friday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest .
President of the Samoan Olympic Committee, Pauga Talalelei Pauga confirmed the news and released a statement thus: “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.”
The statement further implored that the privacy of the deceased's family and also the athletes would be respected during this difficult phase.
Athletes and delegates prayed together ahead of yesterday’s opening ceremony as they remembered Fatupaito.
Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali is Samoa’s lone boxer at the Paris games. The 25-year-old is the top seed in the heavyweight division.
He fights Belgian Victor Schelstraete in the round of 16 as he eyes a medal at the Olympiad.
By Samuel Opoku Amoah
Biga Issoufou
Aug 1, 2024La Fédération NIGÉRIENNE de boxe, présente ces condoléances à la famille du défunt et toute la famille de la boxe ainsi que le comité Olympique. Puisse Dieu le pardonner
Irene Ntelamo
Jul 28, 2024Sincere condolences to Boxing family in Samoa . May coach Lionel Fatupaito rest in eternal peace.
Rajiv Godavarisingh Rajcoomar
Jul 28, 2024My sincere condolences to the whole Family
Joseph Gatua
Jul 28, 2024So sorry
Ngah Bienvenu
Jul 28, 2024The Cameroon boxing federation true my modest and humble person is explains our sincere condoleance for the disparition of this great coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito.May his soul rest in peace. Courage to his country and Samoa boxing family, and his nuclear family. RIP..RIP
Muhangi Moses (president)
Jul 27, 2024Onbehalf of Uganda 🇺🇬 Boxing Federation i extend condolences to the family and the entire Boxing world
Anta Gueye
Jul 27, 2024That's very sad.
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The Senegalese Boxing Federation sends its sincere condolences to the boxing family of Samoa. May coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito rest in peace. Good luck and success at these Paris Olympic Games