The boxing coach of the Samoan team competing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has died suddenly at the age of 60 following a heart attack that struck him while he was in the Olympic village of Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of the Paris municipality. Lionel Elika Fatupaito was in his room with an athlete when, around 10:20 a.m., he felt unwell and died of a heart attack attributed to natural causes. The 60-year-old man was quickly rescued by firefighters, who could not help but note his death. According to Ansa, emergency doctors were already present at the scene, having alerted the athletes.
Mourning in the boxing world
Although the death occurred on Friday morning, hours after the opening ceremony, the news was only announced this afternoon, Saturday 27 July, by the International Boxing Association (IBA) who expressed their condolences: “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Lionel Elika Fatupaito, Samoa’s national boxing coach, who tragically passed away during Paris 2024. Lionel’s dedication and passion for the sport 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.”
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