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The 60-year old coach passed away at the Olympic village on Friday.
Samoa's esteemed boxing coach, Lionel Elika Fatupaito, has tragically passed away at the age of 60.
Fatupaito suffered a cardiac arrest in the Olympic village on Friday morning, just hours before the opening ceremony, casting a shadow over the Games.
According to French police, Fatupaito was in his room around 10:20 a.m. local time when he suddenly fell ill.
Emergency services responded swiftly, providing immediate treatment, but despite their efforts, Fatupaito succumbed to natural causes. The unexpected death has shocked and saddened the Olympic community.
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The Oceania National Olympic Committee released a heartfelt statement expressing their deep sorrow over Fatupaito's passing.
"It is with extreme sadness that the Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) announces the passing of boxing coach Mr. Lionel Fatu Elika," the statement read. "Elika passed away this morning, local Paris time, in the Games Village."
SASNOC President Pauga Talalelei Pauga paid tribute to Fatupaito, highlighting his significant contributions to Samoa’s boxing scene.
"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."
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Fatupaito was in Paris to coach Samoa’s sole representative in boxing, Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali.
The 25-year-old heavyweight boxer, a decorated athlete with gold medals from the Pacific Games and two silver medals from the Commonwealth Games, is set to compete against Belgium’s Victor Schelstraete in the preliminary round on Sunday.
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Plodzicki-Faoagali expressed his grief on Instagram, sharing a poignant tribute to his coach. "No words can express how I feel but rest in love coach Lionel," he wrote. "Our last photo together before you passed yesterday Grand Master…"
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The International Boxing Association (IBA) also extended their condolences, noting Fatupaito's dedication and lasting impact on the sport.
"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," they said in their statement.
The Olympic games will continue but this tragic loss will reverberate in the Samoan national teams as they continue with the competition.
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