Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the highly regarded coach of Samoa’s Olympic boxing team, died on Friday the 26th at the athletes’ village in Seine-Saint-Denis, France. The team is in mourning.
Reports indicate that the cause of death was cardiac arrest. He was sixty years old.
Just before the opening ceremony in Paris began, at around 10:20 a.m. local time on Friday, Fatupaito fell ill in his room. Le Parisien claims the athlete was with him when he experienced an unexpected medical emergency. Paramedics arrived but he was pronounced dead at the scene from “natural causes”.
The Seine-Saint-Denis judicial police is now in charge of the investigation.
The tragedy that overshadowed the Games prompted the International Boxing Federation (IBA) to express its sincere condolences. They paid tribute to Fatupaito’s unwavering dedication, saying his love and dedication to boxing “left a lasting impression on the sport.”
“Future generations will continue to be inspired by his legacy. The post continued: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected by this tragic loss.” “Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected .” by this deep loss.”
The Oceania Report quoted Paugu Talalelei Paugu, head of Samoa’s Olympic body, as saying: “Lionel was one of Samoa’s best boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal.”
“Deeply saddened by the news of the death of a member of the Samoan delegation,” the organizing committee said in Paris. We pray for his delegation, his family, and his loved ones.
Fatupaito was in France to help coach Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, the only boxer from Samoa. Plodzicki-Faoagali will take on Victor Schelstraete of Belgium on Sunday to open his 92kg bout. The 25-year-old Australian is competing in his second Olympics.
Sharing his emotional struggle on Instagram, Plodzicki-Faoagali said the past week has been particularly difficult and challenging for his mind, especially considering the recent death of his mentor.
As well as thanking the Samoan people for their encouragement and support, the boxer paid tribute to Fatupaita, adding: “I’m thinking of you coach, I wish you were here in the corner today.”
We sincerely apologize for this loss. Our prayers and thoughts go out to the bereaved family. I hope he finds peace.
The sudden death of Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the respected coach of Samoa’s Olympic boxing team, has cast a dark shadow over the Paris Olympics. Fatupaito, 60, tragically died of a heart attack in the athletes’ village just before the opening ceremony. His passing will leave a deep void in both the Samoan boxing community and the wider sporting world. Known for his dedication to the sport and unwavering belief in the Olympic ideal, Fatupaito will undoubtedly inspire future generations of boxers.
The outpouring of support from the International Boxing Federation and the Samoan Olympic Body highlights the profound impact Fatupaito has had on those around him. His departure not only affects the Samoa team but also the athletes he mentored, including Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, who expressed his emotional grief on social media.
As the team mourns this tragic loss, the thoughts and prayers of the sporting community are with Fatupaito’s family, his athletes, and all those touched by his leadership and passion for boxing.
While the Games continue, the memory of Lionel Elika Fatupaito’s dedication to his athletes and the sport will remain a lasting tribute to his remarkable life and work. His legacy as a coach and mentor will live on and his influence will continue to inspire current and future athletes. As his family, friends, and colleagues mourn, we can only hope that Fatupaito finds the peace he so richly deserves.