The Samoan Olympic boxing team is mourning the devastating loss of Lionel Elika Fatupaito, their highly respected coach who passed away on Friday, the 26th, in the athletes’ village located in Seine-Saint-Denis, France.
According to reports, the cause of death was a cardiac arrest. He was 60.
Fatupaito became ill in his room at approximately 10:20 a.m. local time on Friday, shortly before the opening ceremony was scheduled to start in Paris. According to Le Parisien, he was accompanied by an athlete when he had the sudden medical emergency. Despite the intervention of emergency services, he was declared deceased at the scene from “natural causes.”
The investigation has been handed over to the Seine-Saint-Denis judicial police.
The International Boxing Federation (IBA) has extended its deepest condolences following the tragedy that cast a shadow over the Games. They honored Fatupaito’s steadfast dedication, noting that his passion and commitment to boxing “have left a lasting impression on the sport.”
“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 message further read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected by this profound loss.”
The Samoan Olympic body’s president Pauga Talalelei Pauga said in the Oceania statement: “Lionel was one of Samoa’s top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal.”
The Paris organizing committee expressed they are “deeply saddened to learn of the death of a member of the Samoan delegation. Our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones and his delegation.”
Fatupaito was in France to assist in coaching the sole boxer from Samoa, Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali. Plodzicki-Faoagali is scheduled to begin his 92-kilogram competition on Sunday against Belgium’s Victor Schelstraete. The 25-year-old, originally from Australia, is participating in his second Olympic Games.
Plodzicki-Faoagali expressed his emotional struggle, stating on Instagram that the past week has been exceptionally difficult and mentally draining, particularly in light of the recent loss of his coach.
Expressing his gratitude to the people of Samoa for their cheering and support, the boxer also paid tribute to Fatupaito, writing, “Thinking of you coach, wish you were here in the corner today.”
We are so very sorry for this loss. Our thoughts and prayers go to the grieving family. May he rest in peace.