Samoa boxing coach dies in Olympic village in Paris as cause of death confirmed

27 July 2024 , 18:54

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Samoa boxing coach dies in Olympic village in Paris as cause of death confirmed

Samoa boxing coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito has died aged 60 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the Olympic village in Paris, with the 60 year old passing away on Friday

Samoa’s boxing coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito has passed away at the age of 60 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the Olympic village in Paris on Friday.

Fatupaito was taken ill in his room around 10:20 a. m. local time on Friday, just before the opening ceremony was set to commence in Paris. According to Le Parisien, he was accompanied by an athlete when he suffered the attack and despite emergency services’ attempts, he was declared dead at the scene from "natural causes". 

The International Boxing Association (IBA) confirmed the sad news with a statement released on Saturday. A spokesperson expressed: "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 the Paris 2024.

"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."

Pauga Talalelei Pauga, the president of the Samoa National Olympic Committee, also paid tribute: "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." 

Fatupaito journeyed to Paris to mentor Samoa’s sole boxing contender, heavyweight Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali. The 25 year old sportsman boasts two silver medals from the Commonwealth Games and a duo of golds from the Pacific Games.

Plodzicki-Faoagali is set to kick off his Olympic quest in the preliminary round of the boxing tournament on Sunday, where he’s scheduled to go head-to-head with Belgium’s Victor Schelstraete.

Elizabeth Baker